Cheat Sheet for Landlords on the New Measure No. 1
If you are a landlord who owns property in Tacoma, you might have heard of the new Citizens Initiative Measure No. 1, also known as the Tacoma Landlord Fairness Code Initiative, which was just narrowly passed in the City of Tacoma in November 2023.
I myself own a rental, and as a strong advocate for property rights, I’d like to provide you with information on the measure as well as some resources that might help as you navigate how this can impact your rights as a property owner and landlord.
What do you need to know about Measure 1?
You can read the measure in its entirety here, but below is a cheat sheet with the basics.
Evictions
Prohibits evictions during the school year if there is a student under the age of 18 living in the rental
Prohibits evictions during the winter (November 1 - April 1)
Prohibits evictions for residents with protected status, such as health care providers, members of the military, first responders, seniors, or educators
Rent Increase Notices
Two notices are required for rent increases, one sent a minimum of 180 days and another sent a minimum of 90 days before the increase will take effect
Relocation Assistance
Tenants who vacate upon receiving a notice of rent increase are entitled to relocation payments up to three times the amount of monthly rent, regardless of income
Late Fees & Deposits
Late fees capped at $10 per month
Pet damage deposit capped at no more than 25% of monthly rent
Move-in fees (security deposit, pet deposit, etc.) are capped at the equivalent of one month’s rent
Penalties & Legal Consequences
A landlord in violation of the measure will be liable for a minimum of $500 up to a maximum of five times the rent per violation
Penalties for a landlord not paying a valid relocation request will be a minimum of three times the relocation assistance amount
Resources
Unfortunately these points pose a challenge for property owners needing to evict problem residents who are committing crimes, leaving trash, or creating an unsafe environment for their neighbors. Please see the partners listed below for resources or any help you may need in navigating this new measure.
Landlord Solutions
(253) 396-0010
Angela Boice, Real Estate Lawyer
(253) 944-1212
Top Pierce County Real Estate Agents: Team Schulte & Co.
(253) 313-4093
Other
If you’re thinking of parting ways with your rental, here are some tips on how you can prepare it for the market.
If you want to keep your rental as an investment property, learn about navigating the 1031 exchange process.
Paige Schulte, top real estate agent in Gig Harbor and your neighborhood expert, has all you need to know about our wonderful community. Visit Paige’s Gig to learn more.
Interested in selling your current home or starting the search for your dream home? Call us today at (253) 313-4093 or book a call at your convenience.