Bellingham Housing Providers, Protect Your Rental

Washington's Trusted Resource Empowering Housing Providers.

As a rental housing provider, you make a difference in your community by providing much needed housing while gaining equity in your investments. But because of the recent passing of housing restrictive regulations, it has become increasingly difficult to operate. Gain immediate access to the Rental Housing Association of Washington, which has the resources you need to operate your rental property.

About new Bellingham Rental laws

120-Days' Rent Increase Notice

On November 6, 2023, voters in Bellingham approved new tenant protection measures that require 120 days’ advance notice of rent increases and that rental housing providers provide relocation assistance if a rent increase is imposed of 8% or more.

Relocation Assistance

The relocation assistance must equal the sum of three times Bellingham’s current fair-market monthly rent as defined by the U.S. housing and Urban Development metrics, or three times that tenant’s existing monthly rent, whichever is larger, according to the proposal. This new voter-approved mandate becomes effective on January 27, 2024.

Increase of Inspection Fees

Housing providers in Bellingham will also see their registration fees double, as part of a revamp of an 8-year-old rental inspection program. The current fee schedule gives rental housing providers a free pass for the first failed inspection but charges them $50 for all subsequent re-inspections. That will change to $100 for the first failed inspection, $200 for the second and $500 for the third. The fees for missed appointments will also increase incrementally under the new system. After the changes take effect, owners of 20 units or less will pay $20 per unit, with larger buildings costing $16 per unit in annual registration fees. The fee increases become effective January 1, 2024.

RHAWA's Advocacy & Grassroots Effort

RHAWA believes the relationship between housing providers and residents is equitable, we defend property rights, and encourage safe housing practices and policies. Achieving these goals is only possible with the consistent and passionate involvement of our housing providers. Join RHAWA to become involved at the local and state level with RHAWA's team to help defend the rights of housing providers.

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Additional Services & Support for RHAWA Members

Events & Education

RHAWA hosts in-person annual events during the year as well as monthly meetups, known as LINK meetings. We also have an extensive educational platform, with 100+ classes, which are available ONLINE or ONDEMAND.

FREE Members-Only ONDEMAND Classes

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Leases & Forms

Gain unlimited access to an extensive library of online leases + forms which are tailored specifically to state and city laws unique to Washington and are updated and reviewed as laws change by an experienced landlord-tenant attorney.

Support Center & Forum

Our Support Center provides instant self-help and has 90+ articles, written by industry experts including staff, attorneys, and property management professionals. The member forum taps into the collective knowledge of our membership.

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Become a Member for as little as $23/Month*

RHAWA serves independent rental property owners and managers with industry-leading benefits, including leases + forms, a support center featuring best practice articles, educational courses + events, tenant screening, advocacy, and more.

QUESTIONS ABOUT MEMBERSHIP?

Contact our membership team today.

^{*$265/year billed annually.}

_{MEMBERS-ONLY WEBINAR - $80 VALUE!}

WASHINGTON HOUSING PROVIDER WORKSHOP

_{Landlord-tenant law and best practices for operating your Washington State rental properties.}

Find detailed information about benefits and rates, click here. If you are ready to join, please do so below. If you have questions, please contact our send an email membership team today.

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