Together we can make Bellingham a city for the many, not just the wealthy few.

We believe stable housing is necessary to provide the opportunities and security people need to live healthy and successful lives and create thriving communities.

Today, skyrocketing rents are pricing our neighbors out of town or into homelessness. Landlords profit and dominate our political system. If this continues, working people will be unable to afford to live in Bellingham. Our community is hurting — and we're fed up.

By coming together, we can build our political power and pass new laws that protect our health, safety, and access to housing. 

Renters are a majority in Bellingham. We have power — we just need to get organized. 

Junk Fee Ordinances Now in Effect

As of August 1, 2025, Bellingham's new junk fee ordinances are in effect. These policies limit rental fees and require transparent disclosure of all charges in housing advertisements and agreements. Key provisions include:

• Caps on screening fees, security deposits, pet damage deposits, and late fees

• Prohibited fees for standard landlord duties, common area access, and tenant lease changes

• Disclosure requirements for rent, utilities, and fees in rental listings and agreements

• Civil legal action as a remedy for violations

Tenants in manufactured or mobile home communities are also protected from excessive or unrelated fees.

Visit the COB website for more information. For questions or concerns about the ordinances, please contact ccmail@cob.org or Councilmember Cotton directly Phone: (360) 778-8214
Email: jacotton@cob.org.

Update on Rent Stabilization Legislation (HB 1217)

Washington’s Department of Commerce has launched the HB 1217 Landlord Resource Center, a new online hub created under the 2025 rent stabilization law. The site provides guidance for landlords (and some resources for tenants) on rent increase limits, notice requirements, and available support programs.

Under HB 1217:

• Rent increases are capped at 10% through 2025, and 9.683% for 2026

• No rent increases are allowed during the first 12 months of a tenancy

• Manufactured home communities face a 5% annual rent cap

📌 Tenants can use this site to:

• Understand statewide rent limits

• Track annual rent increase calculations

• Learn about the Landlord Mitigation Program, which may help resolve disputes or damages tied to rental assistance

Tenants in Washington can report issues to the Attorney General’s Office in specific circumstances—especially if they live in manufactured or mobile home communities or are facing rent increases above the legal limits set by HB 1217.

📝 How to Report an Issue

• For manufactured/mobile home tenants
  If you own your home and rent the lot in a mobile/manufactured home park, you can file a complaint through the Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program:
  📞 Call 1-866-924-6458 (WAG-MHLTA)
  🌐 Visit the AG’s Landlord-Tenant page

• For rent increases above legal limits
  If your landlord has increased rent above 10% in 2025, or above 9.683% in 2026, you can file a complaint directly with the Attorney General’s Office.
  🌐 File a complaint or learn more

• For other landlord-tenant issues
  The AG’s Office does not handle general complaints under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Instead, they offer a list of legal and mediation resources:
  🌐 Residential Landlord-Tenant Resources

Not ready to join? Sign-up to receive updates.