Rental Property Rules in Tacoma, WA (2026)
3 verified rental property rules for Tacoma, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Tacoma cannot adopt traditional rent control because Washington state law RCW 35.21.830 preempts cities and counties from regulating the amount of rent on private residential property.
Tacoma Rent Control Preempted
Few RestrictionsRCW 35.21.830
RCW 35.21.830 Controls on rent for residential structures — Prohibited — Exceptions. The imposition of controls on rent is of statewide significance and is preempted by the state. No city or town of any class may enact, maintain, or enforce ordinances or other provisions which regulate the amount of rent to be charged for single-family or multiple-unit residential rental structures or sites oth...
Rental Registration
Tacoma does not license rentals upfront; a provisional rental property license kicks in only after code violations exceed 24 points, hit derelict status, or breach fire code.
Tacoma Provisional Rental License Trigger
Some RestrictionsTacoma Municipal Code § 6B.165.050
a provisional rental property license will be required for a rental property when a condition exists that endangers or impairs the health or safety of a tenant and when: 1. Under TMC Chapter 2.01.050 Minimum Buildings and Structures Code violations exceed 24 points, or 2. Under TMC Chapter 2.01.050 Minimum Buildings and Structures Code, it is determined to be a Derelict Building or Struct...
Repairs & Habitability
Every Tacoma rental must maintain heat to 70°F when it's 20°F outside, plus working kitchens, plumbing, and electrical systems: inspectors score violations under the city's Minimum Building and Structures Code and can classify noncompliant units as substandard.
Tacoma Minimum Habitability Standards For Rentals
Some RestrictionsTacoma Municipal Code § 2.01.060.AA
Heating equipment shall be provided to heat every dwelling and guest room, and shall have the capacity to heat all habitable rooms to 70 degrees Fahrenheit with an ambient outside temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Such equipment shall be in compliance with the Mechanical Code or the Building Code in effect at the time of installation. Solid-fuel-burning appliances or cooking appliances and ...
Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tacoma city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Pierce County →