When a rental property is due for inspection, property owners have the option to use an inspector with the City of Bellingham or a qualified private inspector (see below for additional information). The intent of the Safety Inspection Program (RR&SIP) is to ensure that Bellingham’s residential rental housing meets specific health and safety standards and to promote compliance with these standards so that the health and safety of tenants is not jeopardized.
Both the city inspectors and the private inspectors will be reviewing the same items as outlined on the Safety Inspection Checklist. They will arrive at the unit within a 2-hour block of time and spend approximately 15-20 minutes performing the inspection. *IMPORTANT: An adult (property owner, tenant, managing agent, or other designee must be present for the inspection.
After the property has received an inspection result of passed or passed with conditions and the safety inspection fees have posted to the account, a Statement of Compliance will be sent to the primary contact for their records. In the case of a private inspection, the Declaration of Inspection must be submitted to the City via mail (210 Lottie Street, Bellingham WA 98225) or email (rentals@cob.org) to show the unit has passed.
Resources
Contacts
Planning and Community Development Department
Rental Registration Specialist
(360) 778-8361 or rentals@cob.org