Tenant Resources

The City of Bellingham receives numerous requests for help from tenants on issues around rental housing. While the City does not provide any direct services to tenants, there are many useful resources available in our community. The following information was compiled to assist tenants in understanding their rights and responsibilities and to identify where to go for assistance.

Federal Fair Housing Law – Fair Housing pertains to Federal Laws that protect people from housing discrimination. The City of Bellingham has codified certain aspects of tenants’ rights that will be enforced in the City in BMC 10.48.030. General information on fair housing is also available on our website.

State Landlord-Tenant Law – The state Residential Landlord-Tenant Act creates the over-arching rules for the landlord-tenant relationship. The act defines rights and responsibilities of owners and tenants, identifies permitted elements in leases, and sets forth procedures for owners and tenants to assert their rights in court. The Washington State Bar Association’s brochure entitled Landlord-Tenant Rights clearly explains the key aspects of the state law.

The Landlord-Tenant Act (Sec. 59.18.060) details what standards must be maintained by the rental owner. This section (Sec. 59.18.115) identifies procedures that tenants need to follow to address health and safety issues in rentals.

Please note, effective July 2023, the State of Washington made changes to some laws affecting renters and property owners; there are new guidelines that property owners must follow when it comes to withholding money from a tenant’s security deposit. You can read a helpful summary of these changes here: 2023 Changes to Washington State’s laws affecting tenants (washingtonlawhelp.org).

City ordinance requiring 60-day notice to vacate

If you have a month-to-month lease and your landlord does not wish to renew your lease without cause, they must give 60-days’ notice before asking you to move out.

  • Please note: the state has since passed a more restrictive law, which now requires that a landlord must give proper notice and can only terminate a lease for an acceptable cause. See RCW 59.18.650(2) for a list of acceptable reasons for terminating a residency.

City ordinance requiring 120-day notice to increase rent

See the Ordinance Protecting Vulnerable Renters handout for more details. Beginning March 28, 2023, 120-day advance notice is required for any rent increases for residential units. A news release and FAQs are available to describe this change.

Do you wish to make a complaint about substandard housing? The City requires that all rental properties within the City limits register for the Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program and undergo regular inspections to ensure that Bellingham’s residential rental housing meets specific health and safety standards.

A resident of the City of Bellingham that has concerns regarding substandard conditions can call into the Permit Center (360-778-8300) or submit a Code Enforcement Request. You have the option to submit an anonymous request.

For tenants who find themselves in situations requiring legal information or assistance from an attorney, Law Advocates runs local clinics on landlord-tenant law and may provide a referral to a lawyer under certain circumstances.

Low-income tenants can call Law Advocates’ Coordinated Legal Education, Advice, & Referral (CLEAR) line between 9:15 AM and 12:15 PM Monday through Friday at 1-888-201-1014.

Renters and housing providers are encouraged to mediate disputes through the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center. FREE mediation services are available for tenants, landlords, roommates, neighbors, and any other community members who may be at risk of losing housing due to a dispute. Call 360-676-0122 x115 or email housing@whatcomdrc.org for more information, or visit the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center Housing Stability Page.

*Para información de nuestros servicios en español marque al (360) 676-0122 extensión 114 o mande un mensaje a ramona@whatcomdrc.org

ਪੰਜਾਬੀ: 360-676-0122 x 202

Русский: 360-676-0122 х 203

Two Seattle-based organizations provide helpful information on renters’ rights under state law:

Affordable Housing – Resources that might be of assistance in looking to find affordable housing in Bellingham.

Financial Literacy for Renters – The Opportunity Council sponsors a program for Financial Literacy and Renter Education (FLARE).  The program includes classes to teach budgeting and basic skills to renters.  Call (360) 734-5121 for information.

Indoor Air Quality – Information and tips from the Northwest Clean Air Agency to help you keep your indoor air clean and healthy.

Mold Guidance – Tenants and landlords both have responsibilities for addressing water and moisture problems that can cause mold. Generally, fixing leaks is the landlords’ responsibility and reducing condensation is the renter’s responsibility. More information can be found through the Washington State Department of Health.

Relocation assistance – The Northwest Justice Project can assist tenants who are having to move because of substandard rental conditions and can be reached at 1-888-201-1014.

Landlords and Apartment Renters Safety and Compliance Tips

The following are some of the codes that help reduce conflict and maintain the livability of neighborhoods in Bellingham.  If you don’t see a particular issue listed below, you may try going directly to the Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) and searching for it. 

Other City Programs

  • Lead hazards – Information on lead-based paint and remediation   
  • Safety Education – Videos about presentations from Police and Fire Departments

Resources

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