Eviction in Whatcom County (Bellingham), Washington
Where eviction cases are filed in Whatcom County (Bellingham), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Whatcom County (Bellingham)
- Eviction court
- Whatcom County Superior Court - Unlawful Detainer calendar — Superior court (unlawful detainer) Court page
- Filing fee
- $135 residential unlawful detainer initial filing (statewide); additional $112 if the case proceeds other than by default RCW 36.18.020(2)(a), (5)(c), (6); RCW 36.18.012 (statewide superior court fees)
- Notice before filing (state law)
- 14-day notice to pay rent or vacate, in the statutory form. Washington rules
- HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
- $1,794/month HUD
- Renter households
- 34,117 (36% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23
Where eviction cases are filed in Whatcom County (Bellingham)
Eviction cases in Whatcom County (Bellingham) are heard by the Whatcom County Superior Court - Unlawful Detainer calendar (Superior court (unlawful detainer)).
- Whatcom County Courthouse - Courtroom 5A (5th floor) — 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 · website
Court eviction page · Search court records
Unlawful detainer show cause hearings are held Fridays at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 5A and by Zoom before a court commissioner. Under local rule WCCR 17, corporations, LLCs and partnerships must be represented by a Washington-licensed attorney; individual owners may represent themselves.
How much it costs to file an eviction in Whatcom County (Bellingham)
$135 residential unlawful detainer initial filing (statewide); additional $112 if the case proceeds other than by default
Fees are set statewide by RCW 36.18.020 and 36.18.012; a fee waiver may be requested on a showing of indigency. Confirm the current amount with the County Clerk before filing.
Source: RCW 36.18.020(2)(a), (5)(c), (6); RCW 36.18.012 (statewide superior court fees)
How eviction cases work locally
| Complaint requirements (WCCR 17) | Every unlawful detainer complaint must attach the rental agreement; owners must state ownership, lessors/sublessors their status, and property managers must file their written designation as representative. If the case is under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and is not solely for nonpayment of rent, the complaint must plead the specific just-cause ground under RCW 59.18 with supporting facts. Source: Official source |
|---|---|
| Writ of restitution | A plaintiff seeking a writ must schedule a show cause hearing with proper notice by Order to Show Cause, which may be served with the summons and complaint or later. Source: Official source |
The Washington eviction process
Washington state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Whatcom County (Bellingham):
- Serve the required notice (14-day pay-or-vacate in statutory form, 10-day comply-or-vacate, or other just-cause notice under RCW 59.18.650)
- Serve the eviction summons (statutory form, RCW 59.18.365) and complaint; tenant must respond in writing by the deadline in the summons
- Court issues an order to show cause; show cause hearing held not less than 7 nor more than 30 days after service of the order (RCW 59.18.370)
- Judgment for possession / writ of restitution; in nonpayment cases execution is delayed five court days and the tenant may be reinstated by paying the judgment amount (RCW 59.18.410)
- Sheriff serves and executes the writ of restitution; tenant may request storage of property within three days after service of the writ (RCW 59.18.312)
Full Washington eviction rules with sources →
Rent in Whatcom County (Bellingham)
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Bellingham, WA MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $1,463 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,493 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,794 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,495 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,010 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Whatcom County (Bellingham): $1,555/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
County tenant ordinance
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; city rules (if any) are covered on city pages.
Eviction help in Whatcom County (Bellingham)
Free legal help
- Eviction Defense Screening Line (statewide, Northwest Justice Project) — 1-855-657-8387 or apply online. Screens tenants for appointed counsel under RCW 59.18.640; tenants qualify if income is under 200% of the federal poverty level or they receive public assistance (TANF, SSI, food assistance, Apple Health, etc.).
Right to counsel: Statewide right to appointed counsel for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer cases (RCW 59.18.640), administered and funded by the Washington Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) through contracted legal aid providers. The court must advise unrepresented tenants of the right. Whatcom County: the local appointed-counsel provider was not confirmed on a loaded page. Source
Other Washington counties
- Eviction in King County (Seattle)
- Eviction in Pierce County (Tacoma)
- Eviction in Snohomish County (Everett)
- Eviction in Spokane County (Spokane)
- Eviction in Clark County (Vancouver)
- Eviction in Thurston County (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater)
- Eviction in Yakima County (Yakima)
- Eviction in Kitsap County (Bremerton, Port Orchard)
Related
- Washington landlord-tenant law
- How long an eviction takes in Washington
- Washington eviction notice periods
- Notice deadline calculator
- How to evict a tenant in Washington (landlords)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file an eviction in Whatcom County (Bellingham)?
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Whatcom County (Bellingham)?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Whatcom County (Bellingham)?
What is the fair market rent in Whatcom County (Bellingham)?
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.