Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program

Bellingham’s Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program is designed to ensure safe living conditions for tenants. Residential property owners in Bellingham must comply with specific life and fire safety standards per BMC 6.15 and are required to:

1. Register their rentals.
2. Get a safety inspection before renting a property.
3. Renew their rental license every year.
4. Have properties inspected approximately every 3-3.5 years (during the assigned quarter).

Register or Renew a Rental

Find information on how to register a rental, registration fees, and learn what to expect during and immediately after you register.

Rental Registration Exemptions

While almost all residential rentals are required to be registered, there are some specific exceptions. Learn more about exemptions.

See All Registered Rental Properties

This list of registered properties is updated periodically. If you are unsure if the property you are searching for has been registered, email rentals@cob.org with the full property address.

Learn More about Safety Inspections

Find information about safety inspection requirements, fees, timelines, private inspections, what to expect during inspections, requirements for notifying tenants, and what happens if a rental fails inspection.

Landlord and Tenant Resources