In a move to protect renters and mobile home residents from unnecessary housing costs, the Bellingham City Council has passed two ordinances eliminating a range of so-called “junk fees.” The decision, made unanimously during a council meeting on June 24, 2025, aims to make renting more transparent and affordable for over 20,000 cost-burdened renters in the city. The new regulations target fees deemed unfair or excessive and increase disclosure requirements for landlords.

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Unanimous Vote Ends Extra Fees

The Bellingham City Council voted unanimously on Monday night to adopt two new ordinances. The legislation prohibits landlords from charging certain fees that are commonly added to tenants’ monthly bills. The council’s decision came after public engagement and analysis that identified numerous fees renters found unreasonable or hard to anticipate.

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What Are Junk Fees?

Junk fees refer to charges that are often added by landlords on top of base rent, even though they are not tied to extra services. These include fees for using standard in-unit appliances like dishwashers or laundry machines, charges for accessing shared amenities like courtyards or community rooms, and payment processing fees when rent is paid online. The new ordinances ban these fees outright, labeling them as unfair and excessive.

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Tenants Protected From Surprise Costs

Under the new rules, landlords are no longer allowed to impose fees for basic tenant rights and services. This includes charges related to the use of in-unit appliances, the collection of mail, and even administrative fees for adding or removing tenants from the lease. These costs, often buried in lease agreements or charged after move-in, have made it difficult for tenants to budget accurately. The ordinances now ensure tenants know upfront exactly what they are paying for.

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Mobile Home Residents Gain New Protections

The new laws also extend specific protections to residents of mobile home parks. These residents will now be shielded from additional fees for pet ownership and parking. Previously, landlords could charge separate fees for keeping a vehicle or pet on the property, increasing the financial burden on residents already paying lot rent and utilities. With these changes, such costs will no longer be allowed.

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Fee Disclosure Required Before Leasing

A key part of the new ordinances is transparency. Landlords must now clearly disclose all fees associated with a rental unit before the lease is signed. This provision ensures prospective tenants are not surprised by hidden costs after they move in. By requiring upfront disclosure, the city aims to reduce confusion and prevent situations where renters feel trapped by unanticipated expenses.

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Ordinance Details Available Online

The city has made the full text of the new ordinances available online for public review. One ordinance targets rental housing in general, while the other specifically addresses mobile home parks. Both documents list the types of prohibited fees and outline the new requirements for landlords. Residents and landlords are encouraged to read the ordinances to understand their rights and responsibilities under the new rules.

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A Step Toward Fairer Housing

This legislative action marks a significant shift in Bellingham’s approach to tenant protection. By eliminating junk fees and increasing transparency, the city is aiming to level the playing field between landlords and renters. As housing affordability continues to be a critical issue both locally and nationwide, Bellingham’s move could serve as a model for other municipalities looking to reduce hidden costs for renters and mobile home residents.

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