Just cause eviction rules in Tacoma, WA — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Tacoma renters are protected by statewide just-cause eviction rules under HB 1236 (2021), codified in RCW 59.18.650, plus enhanced local protections in the Tacoma Renter Protections Ordinance, TMC 1.95.
Washington House Bill 1236, enacted in 2021 and codified at RCW 59.18.650, requires landlords to state a statutory reason to terminate a residential tenancy. Tacoma layered the Renter Protections Ordinance on top in 2023 as TMC 1.95, adding local notice requirements, tighter limits during winter months, and protections for school-age tenants. A no-cause termination is generally not permitted; landlords must select from defined grounds such as nonpayment, lease breach, owner move-in, or substantial repairs, and follow proper notice procedures.
Improper terminations expose landlords to dismissal of unlawful detainer actions, statutory damages under RCW 59.18, and additional local penalties under TMC 1.95.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 15-foot accessory-structure height limit in TMC 13.06 a...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. The Noise Code (TMC 8.122) applies to continuously running blower motors...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance at TMC 8.122 applies to any amplified ...
Tacoma, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Tacoma require building permits from Planning and Development Services (PDS) when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas pip...
Tacoma, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Tacoma single-family yards are permitted but subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section 9.11, ...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma adopts the International Fire Code through TMC Title 3 (Fire Prevention) as Tacoma Fire Code. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices...
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