Tacoma Tenant Legal Aid Launch Marks Anniversary of Landlord Fairness Code Becoming Law
With the City failing to enforce the Landlord Fairness Code, some Tacoma landlords routinely overcharge tenants and deny renters’ legal rights. Tacoma Tenant Legal Aid will help tenants recover damage
Tacoma, WA – On December 8, 2024, Tacoma will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Landlord Fairness Code, a landmark tenant rights law that gives renters in Tacoma some of the strongest protections in Washington State. Yet, despite this significant victory, the City of Tacoma has failed to enforce these hard-won rights, leaving many tenants vulnerable to illegal practices by landlords who rarely face any consequences for violating the law.
In response, Tacoma For All is proud to announce the launch of Tacoma Tenant Legal Aid, a new initiative to empower renters to enforce their rights, recover damages, and hold landlords accountable. Tacoma Tenant Legal Aid is a partnership with Nexus Legal Counsel, a local law firm.
“It’s an honor to fight for tenants and defend the law enacted by Tacoma voters,” said Lauren Romero, who serves as contract attorney for the new program. Romero, who works for Nexus Legal Counsel has several years of experience practicing tenant law and previously worked for Tacomaprobono defending against evictions.
“While there are excellent legal aid services in Tacoma for eviction defense, there’s an absence of legal support for proactive litigation against landlords who illegally refuse to provide relocation assistance, overcharge tenants for move-in and late fees, delay needed repairs, and other violations of the Landlord Fairness Code,” Romero continued. “Tacoma Tenant Legal Aid is proud to offer representation at no upfront cost to tenants who are seeking to defend their rights.”
The program will officially launch on December 8, the one year anniversary of the Landlord Fairness Code becoming law, with a canvassing outreach day at the Aero Apartments – a well-known hotspot for tenant issues – at 11:00 AM.
Starting December 8th, Tacoma Tenant Legal Aid will invite tenants to reach out at 253-279-5244 and an online intake form will be available at www.Tacoma4All.org. A volunteer will contact tenants to collect more information before advancing cases to the attorney or referring the tenant to other resources.