How to find a Rental Apartment, House, or Room in Bellingham
As a college town this is a reoccurring seasonal topic. There are plenty of rental companies and you’ll get mixed reviews on all of them. There are also plenty of private land lords which you will also hear mixed opinions about. My best advice is to read everything carefully, be prepared to feel nickel-and-dimed, but know that you are renting in one of the most coveted communities in the PNW.
Rental Company or Private Landlord?
This is the first step. Rental company or Private Landlord? I’ve had the opportunity to rent from a few different companies in town and private landlords. In my experience, the Rental companies were vey upfront, I was able to get repairs done when I went through the proper channels, followed up and each apartment building was well-kept. In the fine print it said there would be a non-refundable cleaning fee taken from my deposit, but honestly, when I walked into my first apartment it was so spotless I didn’t mind losing that chunk so someone else could have a good experience like that. Not everyone is so lucky. Not everyone reads the fine print.
List of Rental Companies in Bellingham:
Where to find Private Landlords Rentals in Bellingham?
My first private landlord actually came from a Facebook Marketplace post. As always, be suspicious, cautious, never send money and get everything in writing, this isn’t legal advice, there are great resources for that in Bellingham as well, just a good practice to note. I’ve had good luck with Trulia and Apartments.com as well. For very local folks Craigslist isn’t off my list of places to glance at here and there as well.
Otherwise, my current place I’m renting came from my connections in Real Estate. Sometimes a local realtor knows all the spots as well. We also have a private list of very short term rentals for buyers who are between places or looking for a place or moving across the country. Always reach out, Bellingham is a beautifully connected town.
House Rentals in Bellingham
I’ll share that renting houses is way more accessible here than you’d guess. Prices can vary of course. Some come with furniture as well. Some of the rental companies listed above have houses but most are private landlords. Make sure to get a walkthrough first, some of the houses are for college students or rent by the room. But here and there are some marvelous stand-alone houses that you can rent.
When to Look for Rentals in Bellingham
My thought to this varies. I’d say I see the most rentals pop up in March. Rentals usually expire at the beginning or end of summer and most rental companies in Bellingham send out requests to tenants in Spring asking them to renew. I imagine that’s because we are a college town. March, April, May I see the most postings for rentals in Bellingham. Even if you don’t get to move in until later, it’s nice to know you have something locked in.
How to Find Roommates?
Sometimes you need a roommate! I’ve seen several events hosted at bars around town like speed-dating but for roommates for locals. WWU offers robust tools for finding off-campus living as well. For better or worse, I’ve mostly seen roommates find each other through mutual connections so sometimes you just have to ask around.
Where are the best rentals in Bellingham?
Depends on what you need! Need to be close to Campus? Apartment? House? Pets? Fairhaven has great rentals but can be pricey. Downtown is cheaper but can be noisier. Around Campus varies by price, size, and sometimes quality as those tend to have high turn over of college folks being in and out. Water Fountain District, Lettered Streets, Sunnyland, Happy Valley, there are great rentals for families if you know what you want and what fits your needs.
In Summary — Rentals in Bellingham, WA are everywhere!There is no hidden stash of rentals, you just have to know what you’re looking for, your budget, what you’ll compromise on, and TIMING. Like all things real estate it is that magical space of time that gets you what you’re after. So start looking and searching before you have to.
Rent or Buy in Bellingham?
This is my last little diddy to share. It’s the never-ending back and forth that happens in Real estate. Rent or Buy? To me, it again, depends on what you’re looking for. There are occasions where yes, buying will be cheaper than renting but there is something wonderful about not having to be locked into a mortgage, utilities, repairs, etc. That said, I’ve seen people rent massive houses and I know they could’ve bought something and definitely saved money and earned equity. If you’re curious about that pathway, just reach out!
Thank you for reading "How to find a Rental Apartment, House, or Room in Bellingham"
