The Laws
The rules we work under, in plain English.
Washington housing law changes fast, and Tacoma moves faster than most. Here is what is on the books, and what is currently on the table.
What is Tacoma's Landlord Fairness Code Initiative?
The Landlord Fairness Code Initiative, known as LFCI or Measure 1, is a Tacoma ballot measure effective December 8, 2023. It sets the conditions under which a rental household in Tacoma can be evicted, adds seasonal eviction protections, creates protected tenant statuses, and limits eviction or rent increases where health and safety issues exist at the unit.
What are the 17 just causes for eviction under the LFCI?
The LFCI requires a landlord to state one of 17 specified just causes in order to proceed with an eviction in Tacoma. Without one of those stated causes, the eviction cannot move forward. The full list of causes is set out in the Tacoma Municipal Code.
In summary, the measure:
- Requires one of 17 specified just causes for eviction.
- Prohibits evictions during cold weather, November 1 through April 1.
- Prohibits evictions during the school year for households with children or educators, with limited exceptions.
- Creates protected tenant statuses, including military, first responders, seniors, and others.
- Bars eviction or rent increases where health and safety issues exist at the unit.
Can a landlord evict a tenant during winter in Tacoma?
Under the LFCI, evictions are prohibited during cold weather, November 1 through April 1. Proposed reforms would income-qualify that winter defense at or below 80% of area median income, run it December 1 through March 1, and exempt small landlords.
What eviction protections apply during the school year?
The LFCI prohibits evictions during the school year for households that include children or educators, with limited exceptions. The protection is tied to the school calendar rather than to a fixed set of dates.
What changes to the LFCI has the Tacoma City Council considered?
On October 28, 2025, Council Member Rumbaugh presented proposed changes to the LFCI, including:
- 1Aligning exemptions with Seattle's, including owner move-in and criminal activity affecting health and safety.
- 2Creating a pathway to address tenants causing substantive damage.
- 3Income-qualifying the winter eviction defense at or below 80% AMI, December 1 through March 1, with a small-landlord exemption.
- 4Consolidating late-fee and rent-notice rules into the Rental Housing Code.
Related reading: the issues frontline staff face and the case studies.
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This page summarizes local law for advocacy and education. It is not legal advice.