On March 13, 2023, the City Council of Bellingham, Washington unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2023-03-007, ushering in significant changes for landlords and tenants within the city. The new ordinance requires landlords to provide at least 120 days’ written notice to tenants before increasing rent or any other periodic housing costs.

This change reflects Bellingham’s ongoing efforts to strengthen tenant protections and respond to the region’s rising housing costs. Here's what landlords, tenants, and property managers need to know about this important update.

What Does the New Ordinance Require?

Under Ordinance No. 2023-03-007:

• Landlords must now provide a minimum of 120 days' prior written notice for any increase in rent or other recurring housing costs (such as parking fees, storage fees, utilities if billed separately, etc.).
• The notice must clearly state the amount of the increase and when it will take effect.
• The law applies to all rental units within Bellingham city limits, regardless of the size of the increase.

This requirement is stricter than the prior standard under Washington State law, which only mandates 60 days' notice for rent increases.

Why Did Bellingham Pass This Ordinance?

Bellingham, like many cities across Washington, is facing significant housing affordability challenges. Rapid rent increases have left many tenants with little time to adjust their budgets or find alternative housing.

By extending the notice period to 120 days, the City Council aims to:

• Give tenants more time to plan for financial changes,
• Allow renters more opportunity to find alternative housing if needed,
• Help stabilize the local housing market by promoting greater predictability.
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How Does This Law Compare to Other Jurisdictions?

Washington State law sets a baseline 60-day notice for rent increases (RCW 59.18.140). However, cities like Seattle and now Bellingham have adopted more tenant-friendly timelines.

For comparison:

• Seattle requires 180 days' notice for most rent increases.
• Bellingham now requires 120 days' notice.
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Other cities may soon follow suit, as tenant protection measures continue to expand statewide.

Practical Steps for Landlords

Landlords in Bellingham should immediately update their rental practices to comply with the new 120-day rule. Key steps include:

• Review and update lease templates to reflect the longer notice requirement.
• Establish a clear system for tracking and delivering written notices well in advance.
• Communicate with tenants early to maintain good relationships and minimize disputes.
• Document all communications regarding rent changes to protect against potential claims.
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Failure to comply with the notice requirement could expose landlords to legal challenges or administrative penalties.

Final Thoughts

Bellingham’s new ordinance reflects a growing trend toward stronger tenant protections at the local level. Both landlords and tenants must stay informed about these evolving rules to protect their rights and avoid costly mistakes.

If you are a landlord needing guidance on compliance or assistance with updating your lease to comply with the latest law changes, Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced real estate attorney.  Call Limitless Law PLLC at 360-685-0145 or click here to learn more about working with our firm.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about your own legal rights and options, please contact the knowledgeable team at Limitless Law PLLC to schedule a strategy session with our attorney. Call 360-685-0145 or click here to learn more.