BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham is moving forward with plans for added renter protections.

The Bellingham City Council voted unanimously Monday night, Aug. 10 to approve staff suggestions aimed at improving rental and safety inspections.

The recommended changes include adding an audit process for inspectors, tweaking the appeals process and hiring code compliance officers when necessary.

According to city staff, the update also seeks to close a loophole where landlords could give tenants a 30-day window to accept rent hikes after getting a 120-day notice, bypassing the full 100 days they’re given in state law.

Council member Lisa Anderson says the amendment will give tenants more time to decide whether they accept the rent increase.

“It also gives them enough time to be able to take a look at the housing market and see if there’s something better to move to, because 30 days, as you know if you’re a renter, is not enough time often to decide and find another place before you make your notice of acceptance,” Anderson said at the meeting.

The council plans to have another work session ahead of a final vote, with the changes set to take effect 15 days after that approval if it passes.

They’re trying to expedite the passage before leases end for many students this fall.