How to Exercise Your Rights

Landlord Fairness Code Part 3 Section 8, 2. A landlord who violates this chapter shall also be liable for penalties of not less than $500 and up to five times the monthly rent of the dwelling unit at issue, per violation. If the violation constitutes failure to pay a valid request for relocation assistance, the penalty shall be no less than three times the relocation assistance. If the violation constitutes imposition of a monthly or periodic rent that is illegal under this chapter, the penalty shall be no less than three times the monthly or periodic rent.

If a landlord is violating your rights under the Landlord Fairness Code Initiative, there are a few things you can do: 

1. Report violations to the City: although the penalties for landlords under this law are civil in nature (managed through the court system), it is important to report violations to the City of Tacoma, as there is some overlap between the Landlord Fairness Code and the City’s Rental Housing Code which may be enforced through fines and other penalties. 

2. Contact an attorney experienced in Landlord/Tenant laws in Tacoma and the State of Washington. Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers have been helping low-income clients fight for their rights for years. If they are unable to take on your particular case, they may be able to refer you to someone who can. 

Contact Tacomaprobono at: (253) 572-5134 or visit their website at tacomaprobono.org

You can report violations by dialing 311 or calling (253) 591-5000. You can you also stop in to file a complaint in-person at 747 Market Street, Room 220, Tacoma, WA 98402