Tacoma Voters Approve Measure 1, Expanding Rental Housing Regulations and Tenant Protections
November 4, 2026

Tacoma voters have approved Initiative Measure 1, known as Safe Homes for All, according to preliminary election results from November 3. The measure introduces significant new requirements for rental housing providers, including rental licensing fees, tenant union recognition, expanded enforcement authority, and additional compliance obligations.

The measure builds upon Tacoma's existing rental housing regulations and will require the City to establish new administrative procedures and implementation rules.

Key Changes Under Measure 1

New Rental Licensing Requirements

Tacoma will establish a rental licensing program requiring housing providers to pay fees based on the number of rental units they operate. The City Council will determine the final fee structure.

Large landlords and repeat offenders will generally be required to comply within 18 months of the measure's effective date, while other housing providers will have up to three years.

Tenant Union Recognition and Bargaining

The measure establishes requirements for covered housing providers to recognize qualifying tenant unions and bargain in good faith on matters including housing conditions, lease terms, fees, and property policies.

Landlords with four or fewer rental units are exempt from the tenant union bargaining requirements.

Expanded Enforcement and Penalties

Measure 1 creates additional opportunities for tenants and authorized advocates to pursue complaints and enforcement actions involving rental housing regulations.

Financial penalties for violations may range from $500 to five times the monthly rent of the affected unit, depending on the circumstances.

Greater Transparency and Oversight

The measure also establishes additional oversight provisions, including:

• A publicly searchable database containing landlord information.
• Expanded complaint investigation and enforcement procedures.
• Additional rental housing safety inspections in response to qualifying complaints.
• Greater authority to address violations of tenant protection requirements.

What Happens Next?

Tacoma must develop implementation rules within six months of the measure's effective date. Several enforcement and tenant union provisions are also scheduled to take effect following that initial six-month period.

Additional details, including rental licensing fees and administrative procedures, will be established as the City moves forward with implementation.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS® (TPCAR) will continue monitoring the implementation of Measure 1 and its potential implications for rental housing providers, property owners, and the broader housing market.

As the City develops its implementation framework, TPCAR will remain attentive to how the new requirements may affect housing costs, rental property operations, and the availability of housing in Tacoma.

We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.