Measure One (also known as the “Tacoma Landlord Fairness Code Initiative”) passed in the recent election and is expected to be enacted into law soon. Below is a short outline of some of the key provisions. We will post a more detailed analysis later. For advice about your circumstances, it is always best to consult with an attorney. Rent increases. Landlords must be in compliance with all federal, state, and local tenant protection laws before raising rent. The landlord must use a rent increase form established by the City of Tacoma. Rent increases require two notices, one between 180 and […]
Tacoma Landlord Tenant Law
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Washington landlords can terminate a month-to-month tenancy with a notice to the tenant requiring the tenant to vacate at the end of a month, served at least twenty days in advance. No notice is required at the end of a fixed-term lease unless the lease contract terms require notice or automatically trigger a month-to-month tenancy at the end of the lease term. This is the law even in Seattle, where a residential landlord is required to have just cause to end any tenancy. Tacoma has a different set of rules under laws enacted in 2019. Landlords must give sixty days […]
The City of Tacoma has passed a new rental housing law that changes landlord-tenant law in several important respects. The law goes into effect February 1, 2019. New eviction notice requirements. The new Tacoma law requires 60 days notice for no cause evictions, as opposed to state law which requires only 20 days notice. The Tacoma 60-day termination notice applies not only to month-to-month tenancies, but also to terminating a lease. (Washington state landlord-tenant law generally requires no additional notice to terminate a lease as the parties agreed to the termination date in the lease contract.) The Tacoma law requires […]
Tacoma has passed an ordinance that requires landlords to give tenants 90 days notice when the tenancy is being terminated due to “demolition, substantial rehabilitation or change of use of a residential dwelling.” State law requires only 20 days notice to month-to-month tenants. The law takes effect sunsets October 31, 2018. The interim law is intended to provide enhanced protections while the City of Tacoma considers other housing and tenant protections, according to the City of Tacoma website. The new law also requires landlords to meet with tenants at least ten days prior to serving a 90 day notice. At […]