In a decisive move to amend the Rental Housing Code and the Landlord Fairness Code Initiative, the Tacoma City Council passed Ordinance 29086 yesterday. This ordinance, forged from a synthesis of data and dialogue, aims to better safeguard tenant rights while also considering the pressure on small housing providers. Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh spearheaded the initiative, highlighting the importance of balancing the interests of landlords, tenants, and the broader community of Tacoma for a shared goal of quality rental housing.
The amendments under Ordinance 29086 were informed by data indicating that the Landlord Fairness Code Initiative placed significant financial strain on low-income housing providers and exacerbated debt accumulation for tenants facing eviction. These revelations prompted the council to boldly intervene and refine the existing legislation. "Despite the Landlord Fairness Code Initiative’s intentions, it has had dire consequences for our city, most notably on our low-income housing providers who provide housing to those with the greatest need," Council Member Rumbaugh stated on the City of Tacoma website.
One of the standout features of Ordinance 29086 is the enhancement of renter protections through expanded relocation assistance. Landlords now face the requirement to offer financial aid if increasing rent by over 5 percent, giving tenants a buffer in their potential transition. A clause also states that tenants must repay this assistance within 10 days if they opt not to move after receiving the funds. "I appreciate all the effort that has gone into the review of the Landlord Fairness Code Initiative, and Council Member Rumbaugh’s commitment to an inclusive and transparent process over the course of the year," At-Large Council Member Olgy Diaz said in the same news release. "Through authentic outreach and listening to community, we landed in a better place for tenants and a better place for affordable housing providers."
The council also moved to alleviate burdens on landlords with minimal rental units by granting exemptions from certain regulations. Small-scale landlords who own up to four units, or who live on the same property as their rental units, will not be subject to the cold-weather eviction ban. "I’m happy to support these initial revisions to the Landlord Fairness Code Initiative because they are ones we cannot afford to put off," Council Member Sandesh Sadalge conveyed to the City of Tacoma. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, providing a timeline for these adjustments to be implemented and monitored.
As Tacoma moves into a new chapter of its rental housing narrative, the focus on data-driven and community-informed decision-making remains clear. The City Council’s Community, Vitality, and Safety Committee is setting the stage to continue this work into 2026, striving to strike a balance that can sustain the city's growth while protecting its most vulnerable residents. For the latest updates on these policies, residents can visit the City of Tacoma's website at tacoma.gov/rentingintacoma.
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