BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Renters’ rights just got a boost from the Bellingham City Council.

Members passed a measure during their meeting on Monday, February 27th, requiring landlords to give at least four months’ notice before raising their tenants’ rent.

Previously, landlords were only required to give two months’ notice if rents would be raised by 10% or more.

Councilmember Dan Hammill said that the new ordinance sets Bellingham ahead of the curve for rental protections.

The move comes about a month after a rent protection measure was introduced in the Washington state Legislature.

HB 1389, sponsored by Representative Alex Ramel, would cap rent increases by no more than 7%.