Bellingham ballot proposal would shield tenants from landlords’ retaliation
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- Initiative 25-03 would prohibit landlord retaliation against tenant activism.
- The measure enables tenants to organize, distribute materials, and post signs.
- Petitioners must gather 3,167 valid signatures by June 27 to reach the ballot.
Members of a grassroots group called Community First Whatcom are circulating a petition aimed at getting a measure on the Nov. 4 election ballot that protects renters from landlord retaliation in certain situations.
Bellingham Initiative 25-03 would change the city code to stop landlords from punishing tenants in several situations, including renters who are organizing with their neighbors to take collective action. The measure would protect renters who contact officials about unsafe situations, and stop the practice of including nondisclosure clauses in lease agreements.
Cleveland Harris II, an organizer with Community First Whatcom, said the tight rental market in Bellingham, which has a 2% or lower vacancy rate, leaves tenants feeling powerless to stand up for their rights.
“People don’t want to shake the nest,” Harris told The Herald in a phone interview.
Measure 25-03 would expressly allow tenants to take such actions as holding meetings. distributing leaflets in an apartment lobby or common areas like a hallway, posting signs in their windows or yards, and registering residents to vote or encourage voting.
“The ability to discuss (common) issues definitely builds up a sense of power” among tenants, Harris said.
The measure also provides for civil action against landlords, including three times actual damages suffered up to $2,000, plus punitive damages of $1,000. It also allows city officials to enforce the measure and levy fines.
“City enforcement affords additional meaningful support for tenants seeking to vindicate their rights and benefits the public welfare,” the measure states. “While the city may not always have the resources to pursue robust enforcement, this section is intended to provide the option of city enforcement when called for by egregious violations or when permitted by city resources.”
To ensure a spot on the Nov. 4 general election ballot, organizers must submit 3,167 valid signatures of registered Bellingham voters by June 27, Whatcom County Auditor Stacy Henthorn told The Herald.
Community First Whatcom is also circulating petitions aimed at limiting the terms of the Bellingham mayor and members of the City Council, according to previous Herald reporting.
In the 2023 election, Community First Whatcom successfully passed measures raising the minimum wage and limiting steep rent hikes.
Harris said petitions are being circulated in various locations around the city, including the Bellingham Farmers Market and outside supermarkets such as Safeway and Haggen.
This story was originally published May 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
