After trailing in earlier ballot counts, a proposed suite of new tenant protections has pushed ahead in Tacoma after more ballots were counted Thursday.
The race remains close, with about 51% of voters favoring the measure and 49% voting no. The measure trailed on election night by 561 votes. By Thursday, it was ahead by 470 votes. More ballots are left to count.
Supporters said Tuesday they expected to catch up in later ballot drops because “working-class people, tenants and workers tend to vote late.”
Backed by unions, progressive groups and the Democratic Socialists of America, Initiative Measure No. 1 would add a series of new landlord-tenant regulations in Tacoma. The measure would cap fees, limit evictions during the winter months and school year, and require landlords to give six months’ notice of rent increases. When landlords raise rent 5% or more, the initiative would require them to pay tenants who moved out relocation assistance equal to two to three months’ rent, depending on the size of the rent hike.
Seattle and other nearby cities have enacted similar rules, although Tacoma’s would allow more renters to access relocation payments.
The initiative drew an expensive opposition campaign. Landlords and Realtors argued the rules would drive small-time landlords out of the market, reducing the supply of rental homes. Supporters said they tenants needed relief as they face high housing costs.
Pierce County expects to release its next count of ballots Friday around 4 p.m.
