Renter Resources
Download the Renter Resources Card [PDF]
Looking for Rental Housing
- Go Section 8
- Housing Search Northwest - (877) 428-8844
- Affordable Housing Database
- Craig’s List
- Zillow
- Trulio
Resources for Tenant – Landlord Issues & Rights
- Legal Help - Housing - Tenant Rights
- Housing Search NW - Resources for Tenants in 14 languages - (877) 428-8844
- City of Tacoma Landlord – Tenant Program - Call 311
- Washington State Attorney General
- Tenants Union - (206) 723-0500 Hotline
- Rental Housing Association of WA
- Affordable Housing Database
If you feel your rights have been violated or you have been discriminated:
- Fair Housing Center of Washington - (888) 766-8800
- Washington State Human Rights Commission
- NW Justice Project – Think your rights have been violated- Legal Advice? - (888) 201-1014
- Pierce County Fair Housing Resources
TENANT / RENTER TIPS
Disclaimer: THA has prepared these tips to help make your rental experience favorable. We do not provide advice or represent anyone in legal issues.
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Take pictures before you move in and at walk-thru.Leave the home the same way as when you moved in.
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Document all communications with your landlord.
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Always get a receipt for money paid.
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Note problems and tell your landlord within 24 hours.
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DO NOT withhold rent if the landlord is not making repairs.
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Besides losing your deposit, a landlord can place a judgment against you if you cause more damage that is not covered in your deposit.
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Landlords can only enforce rules written in the lease.
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Don’t assume they will keep the entire deposit if you don’t give them full notice — they may work with you.
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A bad rental reference can follow you for years.
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Your deposit CAN be returned when you move out.
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Have the exit walk-thru after your items are out.
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Give the required notice when planning to move out.
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Be honest and try to exit on agreeable terms.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Leaving out food, garbage or dirty dishes can attract unwanted smells, insects and critters, causing health concerns.
- Notify your Property Manager if you notice problems in your home (leak, moisture, toilet, mold or mildew).
- Make rent your first priority. If you are going to be a late on your rent, let your landlord know — they may work with you.
- If you break something, then tell the landlord, or tell them you will fix it correctly.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM. Be considerate. Keep TV, talking, children, vacuuming so others outside cannot hear it.
- All THA properties are SMOKEFREE. This applies to recreational and medical marijuana, cigarettes and cigars. If you have to smoke, do so off the property in designated areas.
- You are responsible for your guests and their actions while they are visiting. Let them know the rules.
- To report public nuisance issues and code violations, renters can call TacomaFIRST by dialing 311 in Tacoma city limits.