City officials in Tacoma, Washington, are actively debating potential amendments to tenant protections that were established under the **Landlord Fairness Code Initiative (LFCI)**, also known as the **Tenant Bill of Rights**. Originally passed in 2023, this initiative aimed to safeguard families and tenants while addressing homelessness. However, city leaders now express concerns about the unintended consequences of the measure, prompting discussions on how to adjust these regulations.
The LFCI introduced several significant protections for renters, including a cap on late fees for rent payments, a prohibition on evictions during winter months and the school year, and requirements for landlords to cover relocation costs if rent increases exceed **5%**. Despite the strong support from organizations like **Tacoma For All** that helped facilitate its passage, the initiative has generated controversy.
During a study session held on **November 28, 2023**, Tacoma City Council members explored various amendments proposed to stabilize the rental market. One suggested change could increase the maximum late fee from **$10** to **$75** per month for late rent payments. Another proposal would modify eviction notice requirements, reducing the current two written notices period from **210 to 120 days** for certain causes. Additionally, there is discussion on shortening the eviction moratorium from **five months to three months** during winter, a move some council members argue may not adequately protect vulnerable populations.
Council Member **Jamika Scott** highlighted the need for adjustments, proposing the eviction moratorium be set from **November 15 to March 15**. She emphasized that weather data supports these dates as a more accurate reflection of the cold season in Tacoma.
The council’s discussions have also raised concerns from low-income housing providers regarding financial instability. Reports indicate that the LFCI has led to delays in rental payments, significantly impacting budgets and operations. Furthermore, landlords with fewer rental units feel the financial strain more acutely, leading to increased tenant screening practices that may limit access for the most vulnerable individuals.
Despite the initial voter support for the LFCI, the Tacoma City Council has the authority to amend or repeal the initiative two years post-passage. Some council members argue that the amendments are necessary to alleviate the growing rent arrears affecting affordable housing providers.
The council will review the proposed changes in a first reading scheduled for **December 2** and could proceed to a final vote by **December 9, 2023**. As Tacoma continues to navigate its housing policies, the outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for both tenants and landlords in the region.
