City of Bellingham Initiative 26-01: Ban on algorithmic rent price-fixing
Source: results.votewa.gov
What does this measure do?
This makes it illegal in Bellingham for landlords to agree on rents or to pay for software that pools data to suggest rents to several landlords. Renters who are harmed could sue for up to $5,000 per violation, and violators could face city fines or, for repeat cases, jail.
Proposed by: Citizen initiative by Community First Whatcom, a local housing advocacy group; sent to voters by the council
A local advocacy group that won Bellingham tenant protection and minimum wage measures in 2023 and 2025. It says rent-setting software lets landlords push rents up together and wants it banned.
Source: cascadiadaily.com
A YES vote means
Landlords could not agree on rents or use shared rent-setting software. Renters could sue, and the city attorney could seek fines of up to $5,000 per violation.
A NO vote means
No new city rule would be added. Landlords could keep using shared rent-pricing software unless another law forbids it.
Campaign Finance Information
Campaign Finance Information
Largest donors supporting
- Inatai FoundationWashington health equity foundation$50,000
- People First BellinghamBellingham renter-rights ballot measure committeeIts top donors: Group Health Foundation (now Inatai Foundation); Nicholas Sheck$31,164
Largest donors opposing
No large donors reported.
Filings as of October 6, 2026 · Source: pdc.wa.gov
Sources: wa-whatcomcounty.civicplus.com234 · voter.votewa.gov · cascadiadaily.com · knkx.org
Source: whatcomcounty.us