“City” means the city of Bellingham, Washington.

“Increase notice” is a written notice from the landlord declaring the amount by which the landlord is increasing the rent or associated housing costs.

“Relocation assistance” means assistance in the form of a monetary payment to a tenant who is relocating after receiving a rent increase notice of eight percent or more of the previous 12-month period that would otherwise cause a financial burden unto the tenant to aid in costs of relocation (moving costs, utilities deposits, security deposits, first/last month’s rent, and any applicable pet fees).

“Relocation period” is the five months following the receipt of relocation assistance.

“Rent” shall have a meaning pursuant to RCW 59.18.030(29).

“Request for relocation assistance” is a written notice from the tenant to the landlord requesting relocation assistance in response to an increase notice.

“Transitional housing” means housing units owned, operated, or managed by a nonprofit organization or governmental entity in which supportive services are provided to individuals and families that were formerly homeless, with the intent for them to move to permanent housing. [Initiative No. 2023-02, § 1, approved by voters at the 11/07/23 election, certified 11/28/23].