Tacoma Renters and Landlords to Vote on New Housing Law
The November 4 ballot measure proposes new rental licenses, mandatory safety inspections, and fines for local property owners.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Apartments
Live Poll
Should the city of Tacoma increase penalties for landlords who violate tenant safety laws?
Tacoma voters will decide the future of Measure 1 on November 4, an initiative that aims to strengthen enforcement of tenant safety laws. The measure proposes new rental license fees and minimum fines of $500 for landlords found in violation of safety standards.
Why it matters
Currently, Tacoma lacks a specific enforcement mechanism for the 2023 Landlord Fairness Code, leaving tenants without a clear legal avenue to address safety violations. The proposed measure seeks to close this gap while potentially increasing housing costs for local providers.
The Rental Housing Association of WA PAC reported raising $248,336 to oppose Measure 1, which includes a $175,000 donation from Goodman Real Estate. Large landlords, defined as owning 25 or more units, would be required to obtain a rental license within 18 months of the act's effective date.
The players
Tacoma For All
A local political action committee that supports tenant protections and has reported raising $176,928 for the current measure.
Rental Housing Association of WA
An organization representing landlords across the state that opposes the measure and has raised over $248,000.
Goodman Real Estate
A real estate entity that contributed $175,000 to the PAC opposing the measure.
The details
Measure 1 mandates that the city of Tacoma perform property inspections following any credible allegation of a safety law violation. The initiative also requires the city to establish a searchable database containing information about landlords and their affiliated companies. To fund this enforcement, the city will collect per-unit license fees directly from landlords, who also face mandatory penalties of at least $500 for each confirmed safety infraction.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: Tacoma voters will decide on Measure 1.
18 months from effective date: Large landlords must obtain a rental license.
3 years from effective date: Small landlords must obtain a rental license.
The Home Front
Measure 1 is designed to provide the regulatory teeth missing from the 2023 Tacoma Landlord Fairness Code. This initiative marks a shift toward formal, city-managed inspection and licensing systems for rental properties.
If you are a renter, track the upcoming vote to understand if new safety inspection processes will become available for your building. If you are a landlord, review your current unit count to determine if you fall under the 'large landlord' threshold of 25 units for the initial 18-month licensing deadline.
The takeaway
Measure 1 aims to standardize property safety inspections and create a public database for landlord transparency. Renters and providers should monitor the November 4 election results to understand the new licensing timelines and compliance costs.
Further reading
Learn more about local rental regulations on the Tacoma Apartments page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tacoma News Tribune.
Live Poll
Should the city of Tacoma increase penalties for landlords who violate tenant safety laws?
