Rental licensing to be discussed Monday in Bellingham

The years-long discussion of rental housing licensing and inspection will continue Monday, June 9, at a City Council work session.

The council's three-member planning committee has scheduled that discussion for 10:30 a.m. in council chambers at City Hall, 210 Lottie St.

The council has wrestled with the issue since at least 2003, spurred by complaints from neighborhood residents and renters about the conditions in some apartments and rental houses. While council members have repeatedly stated that they believe most landlords are conscientious about health and safety codes and tenant well-being, they are looking for a way to crack down on the troublemakers.