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Ballot question

City of Bellingham Initiative 26-01: ban on algorithmic rent price-setting

On the ballot in
City of Bellingham
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

This measure would prohibit two or more landlords from entering into an agreement to establish rental prices, prohibit the use of paid algorithmic coordinating services that use systems or software to analyze public and private data about the rental market to recommend rental prices, lease renewal terms, or occupancy levels to multiple landlords, create a private right of action, establish whistleblower and anti-retaliation protections for tenants and employees, and authorize civil and criminal penalties. Should this measure be enacted into law?

A “Yes” vote means

Bellingham would ban landlords from agreeing on rents and from using paid algorithmic services that recommend rents to multiple landlords, with civil and criminal penalties.

A “No” vote means

Bellingham would not adopt this ban on landlord rent agreements and algorithmic rent-recommendation services.

Official plain English statement

This measure would add a new chapter to the Bellingham Municipal Code prohibiting algorithmic price-fixing in the rental housing market. It defines "coordinating services" as tools that collect rental pricing and occupancy data from multiple landlords and use algorithms to recommend future rental prices or terms. The measure would make it unlawful for landlords to agree to set rental prices, to pay for or use coordinating services, or for service providers to offer such services to multiple landlords. Certain activities, including recordkeeping tools, aggregated market reports, or information used for financing or appraisals, would still be allowed. The measure establishes civil remedies for tenants or others harmed by violations, including damages and attorney fees. It authorizes enforcement by the City Attorney and creates civil infractions and potential misdemeanor penalties for repeated or willful violations. The measure also includes whistleblower and anti-retaliation protections for tenants and employees who report violations. The measure would not apply to hotels, motels, or short-term rentals. The measure includes a severability clause.

Sources

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.