Tacoma’s Safe Homes for All initiative led in early election returns with more than 60% support, putting the city on course to expand enforcement of tenant protections. The measure would establish rental licensing, increase penalties for violations, and require landlords to bargain in good faith with tenant unions.
The results prompted KIRO hosts Jake Skorheim and Spike O’Neill to debate whether additional protections would help renters or reduce their housing options during “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio.
“I like some of the elements of this Safe Homes for All initiative,” Spike said. “I like some of the elements requiring landlords to register rental properties to make sure that tenant protections are in place. Landlords, if they can’t make enough money, they get out of the business.”
Rental licensing, penalties are part of the proposal
The initiative would phase in rental licenses for landlords, with large landlords and repeat offenders required to obtain them within 18 months. Other landlords would have three years. License fees would fund administration and enforcement of tenant safety and protection laws…