Our Enforcement System is Broken
Since Tacoma voters passed the Tenant Bill of Rights in 2023, the City Council has not enforced the law.
Just one fine against a law-breaking landlord has been issued. While families deal with hazardous mold and illegal rent hikes, the Council has tied the hands of enforcement staff, mandating requests for voluntary compliance over accountability. Most tenants don’t bother reporting violations, many fearing landlord retaliation. This gives corporate slumlords a green light to ignore our rights while we pay the price with our health, stability, and dignity.
A Tacoma Where Neighbors Look Out for Neighbors
We envision a city where we and our neighbors are protected by more than just words on a page.
But SAFE Homes for All isn't just about enforcing the law–it’s about building community. By protecting tenants’ right to organize without fear of retaliation, and to bargain over living conditions, we ensure no one has to face corporate landlords alone. We are building a stable Tacoma where outside corporations respect our laws and where families can put down roots.
People Power vs. Corporate Profit
We will win this initiative the same way we won the Tenant Bill of Rights: by organizing a grassroots movement across Tacoma.
Outside corporate landlords will likely shatter campaign spending records to stop us—just as they tried in 2023—but money doesn't vote, people do. To beat their millions, we need a grassroots coalition deeply rooted in our neighborhoods. Tacoma belongs to us, not outside corporations, and it’s time we take our homes and our city back
Accountability for Lawbreakers
Mandatory fines for confirmed violations (ranging from $500 to 5x rent) that go directly to the impacted tenants and deter slumlords.
Legal protection to form tenant unions and a requirement for landlords to bargain in good faith over conditions and leases.
The Right to Organize:
Education and compliance support for small landlords and a searchable public database of landlord violations, evictions, and rent hikes.
Education & Transparency:
By charging the highest fees to corporate landlords and those with multiple violations, we ensure the burden of enforcement stays off the backs of Tacoma taxpayers.
