It’s been another beautiful day on this Wednesday, December 02, 2009 in Bellingham, WA. The sunshine makes our bay view even more glorious!

Did you KNOW…that on December 7, 2009 at 7 p.m., Mark Gardner (Legislative Policy Analyst-Bellingham City Council Staff) will make a 15 minute presentation to the City Council in the Council chamber on his proposed Rental Housing Regulation draft? His reason for writing the draft and proposing an ordinance are due to three issues: 1. nuisance properties, 2. health and maintenance issues, and 3. more than three unrelated people in rental properties.

There are nuisance ordinances already in the books. The Landlord/Tenant Law covers many issues that can exist with rental properties. The proposed draft is 28 pages of rules and regulations that landlords and tenants have to comply with. One regulation would require the licensing of rental property owners. If the proposed regulations are not complied with, the fines can be exorbitant. Tenants will not be happy having city workers enter their homes for required annual inspections. Under other circumstances, the law would require a search warrant.

Bellingham is a university/college town. We need housing for students and young families that can’t afford more expensive rentals.

  If you have concerns or questions, they can be addressed by doing the following:

•  Be at the above-mentioned meeting and educate yourself on this proposed Rental Housing Regulation. A comment period is scheduled to voice concerns.
• Email the City Council at ccmail@cob.org or Email the Mayor, Dan Pike, with questions
• Call the Bellingham City Council office at (360) 778-8200 and register your complaint.
• Write a letter to the editor

 Gloria Calderhead, Managing Broker