BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Bellingham City Council is taking action in hopes of helping renters struggling in the current market.

The council this week gave final approval to an ordinance that requires 120 days’ notice of any rent increases for residential units.

Members say it is a response to concerns about affordable housing in Bellingham’s tight rental market.

Council President Michael Lilliquist says one of the biggest issues is unexpected rent hikes that do not give families time to adjust and manage costs.

Fifty-six percent of Bellingham residents are renters and half of those people spend more than a third of their income on rent.

The City Council says they will take more public feedback on the ordinance later this year.

The new ordinance goes into effect on March 28th.