Whether you own a rental property, or you’ve been considering making the investment, the Tacoma City Council recently passed some new rental housing regulations, taking effect as of February 1st, 2019. If you own rental properties or work with a property management company, this explains how these changes could have an effect on you.

Rental Housing Code Updates:

  • 60-day notice to terminate tenancy on month-to-month agreements
  • 60-day notice for rent increases (unless the fixed lease agreement includes an automatic rent increases during the term of the tenancy or agreement)
  • Installment Payment Plans on move-in fees and deposits
  • 120-day notice to terminate month-to-month tenancies due to substantial rehabilitation, renovation, demolition, or change of use, including a requirement to provide a Relocation Assistance Packet
  • Required to provide renter rights and responsibilities packet prepared by City
  • Required to provide link on rental application criteria to City sponsored website with all property code violations and HUD discrimination findings and settlements
  • Penalties for non-compliance

Tacoma Rental Properties

We are seeing an increase of buyers purchasing investment properties, especially in our community. Seattle is growing at an increasing rate with an influx of new jobs and more employed. Many of our buyers who work in Seattle are starting the search for their home further south in Pierce County areas – such as Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Gig Harbor. With more and more people wanting to live in Pierce County (and with accessible vacation rentals through apps like Air BnB) many are buying and renting in the Tacoma area. 

Average Rent in Tacoma

  • All Rentals: $1,216 (Avg. Size: 832 sq. ft.)
  • Studio: $1,017 (Avg. Size: 521 sq. ft.)
  • 1 Bed: $1,099 (Avg. Size: 673 sq. ft.)
  • 2 Bed: $1,286 (Avg. Size: 946 sq. ft.)
  • 3 Bed: $1,551 (Avg. Size: 1,198 sq. ft.)

 

If that sounds like something you’ve been interested in (or it sounds overwhelming), we’re here to help! We love to answer any questions you might have about the prospect of investing in your own rental properties. Call, text, or email us and we’d love to chat.

 

For more detailed information from the City of Tacoma about legislation and amendments, visit: cityoftacoma.legistar.com/LegislationDetail

{Source: https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/wa/pierce-county/tacoma/}