BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham’s changing housing market prompted the City of Bellingham to address concerns.

Due to low vacancy rates and a significant increase in rental costs, a new ordinance that took effect in March is designed to provide some protections for renters.

This ordinance prohibits landlords from “denying an application for rent based on a renter’s source of income or participation in a rental assistance program,” and also requires landlords to provide a sixty day notice for most rent increases and for evictions.

The Planning and Community Development Department invites local landlords and housing partners to attend a Landlord Training Event on June 27th at 6 P.M. at the Bellingham City Council Chambers.

The event will explain the ordinance, the Rental Registration & Safety Inspection Program, and Residential Landlord Tenant Law.