Find resources for resolving disputes, legal services, and more. The City of Bellingham receives many requests for help from tenants and property owners/managers on issues around rental housing. While the City does not provide any direct assistance, there are many useful resources available in our community.
Obtaining mediation assistance
Renters and housing providers are encouraged to mediate disputes through the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center. FREE mediation services are available for tenants, landlords, roommates, neighbors, and any other community members who may be at risk of losing housing due to a dispute. Call 1-360-676-0122 x115 or email housing@whatcomdrc.org for more information, or visit the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center Housing Stability Page.
- Para información de nuestros servicios en español marque al 1-360-676-0122 extensión 114 o mande un mensaje a ramona@whatcomdrc.org
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ: 1-360-676-0122 x 202
- Русский: 1-360-676-0122 х 203
Getting Legal Support
For tenants who find themselves in situations requiring legal information or assistance from an attorney, Law Advocates runs local clinics on landlord-tenant law and may provide a referral to a lawyer under certain circumstances.
Organizations Providing Information
- Low-income tenants can call Law Advocates’ Coordinated Legal Education, Advice, & Referral (CLEAR) line between 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-888-201-1014.
- Two Seattle-based organizations provide helpful information on renters’ rights under state law:
- The non-profit group Solid Ground
- The Tenant’s Union of Washington State
- Washington Law Help’s website provides easy-to-understand information about housing laws in Washington State.
In order for the City to process a complaint, a tenant must first notify their landlord of property issues according to the Washington State’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). If your concerns about substandard conditions remain, submit a Code Enforcement Request.
Whatcom Landlords & Housing Professionals
Whatcom Landlords & Housing Professionals provides a variety of free trainings and resources for landlords and property owners, specific to Whatcom County.
Get Damage Compensation if You Rent to Tenants Receiving Rental Assistance
According to the Department of Commerce’s website, “Washington State’s Landlord Mitigation Law (RCW43.31.605) became effective on June 7, 2018, to provide landlords with an incentive and added security to work with tenants receiving rental assistance. The program offers up to $1,000 to the landlord in reimbursement for some potentially required move-in upgrades, up to fourteen days’ rent loss and up to $5,000 in qualifying damages caused by a tenant during tenancy.”
Rental Housing Association of WA
This agency provides limited assistance (for non-member landlords and tenants) regarding rights and responsibilities: www.rhawa.org.
Opportunity Council
The Opportunity Council has a Landlord Liaison who can assist property owners who rent to tenants receiving any kind of local housing subsidy. They provide free landlord mediation and supportive housing search. You can reach the WHSC Landlord Liaison at 1-360-296-1254 or LandlordLiaison@whatcomhsc.org.
Opportunity Council Community Resource Center
The Community Resource Center is the first stop when you need help with housing, bills, food, or other basic needs.
- 1111 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA
- Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- 1-360-734-5121
Opportunity Council Energy Assistance Program
Opportunity Council may be able to help with the cost of electricity, natural gas, propane or heating oil, wood pellets or fire logs. OC connects community members with programs that are designed to reduce the amount you need to pay.
PSE – Bill Discount Rate
Ongoing help on your monthly energy bill. Depending on your household income and
household size, you can save 5 to 45 percent per month on your bill.
Support for Home Rehabilitation
The City of Bellingham’s Home Rehabilitation Loan Program provides low-interest loans to low- and moderate-income households.
Opportunity Council Weatherization and Home Repair
The OC supports improvements to home energy efficiency, durability, indoor air quality and health and
safety concerns.
- Available for both homeowners and renters with landlord permission.
- 1-360-734-5121 ext. 1020
Fair Housing Center of Washington
The Fair Housing Center of Washington periodically offers free trainings via Zoom and Facebook Live. These can be accessed either via their website (see the free webinars section), or their Facebook page.
Washington’s Damage Mitigation Fund
The Landlord Mitigation Program offers reimbursement for repairs caused by a tenant that received any form of rental assistance at any time during their tenancy or is fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment, or stalking. Unpaid rents can be included after the tenancy end as well. Learn about these programs that are a powerful addition to your toolbelt when seeking landlord involvement in your program. Watch the recorded training.
Housing Laws and Local Resouces for Landlords & Property Mangers
In August 2022, we hosted an educational event with presenters from the Northwest Justice Project, Opportunity Council, and Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center.
- Watch the event recording
- PowerPoint presentation
- Event Q&A
- Whatcom Landlords & Housing Professionals website
Landlord Resource Meeting – New Ordinance Protecting Vulnerable Renters
In June 2018, we hosted local landlords, housing partners and community experts at the second Landlord Resource Meeting. The presentation covered how the (then) new ordinance protecting vulnerable renters affects local landlords. The additional resources listed below were also made available to the attendees.
Financial Literacy for Renters
The Opportunity Council sponsors a program for Financial Literacy and Renter Education (FLARE). The program includes classes to teach budgeting and basic skills to renters. Call 1-360-734-5121 for information.
Free Fair Housing Training
In April 2018, we hosted a speaker from the Fair Housing Center of Washington to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act with a comprehensive presentation. You can still access these useful fair housing resources:
