City data Bellingham tenant protection ordinance enacted in 2024 is underused Cascadia Daily News

Bellingham's rental relocation assistance ordinance, which took effect in January 2024, has seen no reported usage despite its intent to protect tenants from steep rent increases. Under this ordinance, landlords are obligated to provide three months' rent as relocation assistance if they raise rents by 8% or more within a year. Advocates from Community First Whatcom argue that the ordinance's presence may be indirectly preventing significant rent hikes, as some landlords have modified their pricing strategies to stay below the threshold. While the city has received no formal requests for assistance, there have been inquiries from renters seeking information about the ordinance. The lack of an established data collection framework has limited the city's ability to assess the program's impact effectively.

Nevertheless, Community First Whatcom remains proactive, coordinating with legal experts to assist tenants who may be eligible for support. The initiative, which garnered strong voter backing in November 2023, reflects a growing concern over housing affordability and tenant protections in the city. As the organization advocates for additional protections, the effectiveness of the current ordinance remains a topic of interest among local stakeholders.