This year we have the opportunity to win Just Cause protections and more for tenants across Washington State! The landlord lobby is out in force, and we need to make sure legislators hear directly from you about how important these protections are!

Last year we fought long and hard to win the support of legislators for eviction reform in Tacoma and statewide, but as we all know, that fight is not over yet. This year we're pushing for a Just Cause bill (HB 2453). This bill would make it illegal for landlords to evict people without providing justification, something that we think is absolutely crucial to having a fair and just rental system here in Washington State.

Currently House Bill 2453 is being discussed in the Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee, where Tacoma area Representatives Kilduff and Kirby, along with the entire committee, are getting lots of heat from landlords and their lobbyists. Landlords are coming out against this bill in full force, including many landlords and supporters who operate businesses in Tacoma. The committee will vote on this bill on Friday, January 31st, so we have only a few more days to make our case clear.

We need to stand together and fight for these critical protections - we want to put an end to No Cause Evictions! The very least that landlords can do is provide a legitimate business reason for terminating a tenancy. Right now in Tacoma, landlords only have to provide 60 days written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy - and they don't have to specify why, or give the tenant any reason. In most of the state, landlords only have to give 20 days' notice.

Eviction is one of the primary causes of homelessness in Pierce County, and it disproportionately impacts marginalized populations, including women (especially single mothers), people of color, and people with disabilities. Between 2012 and 2017, almost 20% of all black adults in Pierce County experienced eviction. These reforms are absolutely necessary.

Please complete the information in the right hand column and click on "start writing" to send the letter to urge the committee members to pass Just Cause. You can also call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 to leave a message for your representatives. We need you to contact them today to fight for our right to housing, and fair treatment! You can also submit your comments directly here.

By passing this legislation, Washington will join 25 other states in protecting tenants--securing housing stability for the 40% of Washingtonians who rent their homes. Thank you!