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Whatcom County, WA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Rent control rules in Whatcom County, WA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.

Key Facts

2026 cap
9.683% maximum
Formula
Lesser of 7%+CPI or 10%
Notice
90 days written
First year
No increase allowed
State law
HB 1217 / RCW 59.18.700

Summary

Washington no longer leaves rent to the open market. Since HB 1217 took effect in May 2025, annual residential rent increases are capped statewide. For 2026 the ceiling is 9.683%, and it applies from Bellingham to Lynden, Ferndale, and unincorporated Whatcom County.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Whatcom County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed for properties subject to Residential Landlord Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) unless specifically exempted as defined in RCW 59.18.700 between 1/1/2026 and 12/31/2026 is 9.683%.

Source: Revised Code of WashingtonView official code

Full Breakdown

Whatcom County landlords once set rent increases freely, but HB 1217, signed in May 2025 and codified at RCW 59.18.700, changed that. Annual increases on covered units are capped at the lesser of 7% plus the Consumer Price Index or 10%, which works out to 9.683% for 2026 per the Department of Commerce. Landlords must give at least 90 days' written notice, cannot raise rent during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and face a lower 5% cap on manufactured and mobile-home lots. Buildings certified as newer than 12 years are exempt. This weighs heavily in Bellingham, where Western Washington University students fill much of the rental stock.

Violations & Fines

A rent increase above the cap, or with less than 90 days' notice, is unenforceable, and a tenant can recover damages. Washington's Attorney General enforces HB 1217.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there rent control in Whatcom County?
Not a local ordinance, but Washington's HB 1217 caps rent increases statewide. For 2026 the limit is 9.683% a year, applied in Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, and unincorporated areas alike.
How much notice before a rent increase?
At least 90 days' written notice under HB 1217, and no increase at all during the first 12 months of a tenancy.
Are any rentals exempt from the cap?
Yes. Buildings certified as newer than 12 years are exempt, and manufactured or mobile-home lots have a lower 5% cap.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Whatcom County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsJust Cause EvictionSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight Restrictions

All Whatcom County rules

Compare Whatcom County to another location·View the Washington rental property rules overview

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Rent Control in Cities Across Whatcom County

Bellingham, WA