Why more Western students are renting off campus
Apartment hunting is in full swing for the upcoming school year at Western Washington University. A new set of students is about to learn how to deal with landlords and housing on their own for the first time.
With on-campus housing rates increasing anywhere between 4.25% and 8% from 2025 to 2026, students may look to rent instead.
Property managers and landlords in Bellingham are always looking for ways to make their units more attractive to potential renters. Their target demographic is students looking for short-term housing solutions.
About three in five Generation Z renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing expenses nationally. At Western, where the majority of undergraduates are Gen Z, this trend plays out locally, especially as thousands navigate off-campus rentals each year.
Young renters can be more susceptible to unexpected charges, dilemmas and other serious issues. So, what are the ways to look out for the unexpected?
What to watch for
WWU Off-Campus Peer Advisor McLean Bowers has heard their fair share of student complaints this year. Rental agencies like Hammer Properties, PTLA Real Estate Group and Landmark Real Estate Management are mentioned often in those grievances but mostly due to the sheer volume of properties those realtors own.
Bowers emphasized the importance of reading and understanding your lease before signing anything.
“Landlords take students less seriously when they know they’re first-time renters,” they said. “They usually don’t have the means or resources to fight back against landlords that aren’t taking their health and tenancies seriously.”
According to a 2023 study by the Urban Institute, renters who reported having a positive relationship with their landlord were 40% more likely to renew their lease.
One such student renewing with Hammer Properties is Hope Petr. She had a positive experience with her landlord, however, she wishes she asked more logistical questions before the lease drafting process.
Another student and Landmark tenant, Christian Brenne, advises being wary and reading your rental agreement thoroughly.
“They didn’t tell us until they offered us a renewal at like $500 more,” Brenne said. “So, we were like, ‘We can’t do that.’ So, we had to move.”
It's also important to have reasonable expectations. Year-to-year transition housing situations will vary. Be prepared to make some sacrifices, whether it’s a short commute to campus or upstairs neighbors causing pandemonium.
“I wasn’t expecting much since it was my first apartment. I didn’t go for anything fancy, and I didn’t get to tour it beforehand, so I didn’t know what to expect,” Brenne said.
Know your rights and build strong communication
Bellingham has specific laws protecting tenants, including a requirement of 120 days' notice for any rent increase. Safety inspections and registration are required for rental properties.
“Regardless of whether your property manager has outlined the process in the lease,” Bowers said. “Your first step should be looking at your lease. If anything arises you think may be illegal, there are a lot of free legal resources in Bellingham for tenants. Document everything along the way — verbal promises don’t hold up.”
Tenants have rights under Washington State's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, such as the right to a livable dwelling and protection from unlawful discrimination. Functioning heat, water and electricity must meet basic health, safety and structural standards.
Kim Huizenga has been a realtor in Bellingham for nearly two decades. Working with Landmark Property Management, she’s seen and dealt with her fair share of complaints from tenants.
“Communication is key,” Huizenga said. “If something is wrong, such as a maintenance concern, let the landlord know. If you are going to be late on paying rent, let them know.”
Students like Petr sometimes wish communication would come sooner and be more streamlined.
Bellingham offers a valuable learning experience for first-time renters. According to the City of Bellingham, about 42% of the city’s housing units are apartments.
At Western, according to Western’s on-campus housing department, nearly 70% of undergraduate students live off campus, largely due to limited dorm space and affordability concerns.
“It saves a lot of unnecessary time and work on our end if we know in advance and can work together,” said Huizenga.
Cameron Riggers (he/him) is a campus life reporter for The Front. He is a news and editorial journalism major. Additionally, he writes about the Western Hockey League for soundofhockey.com and can often be found at a rink around the Pacific Northwest. You can follow his work on Twitter/X @CameronRiggers and can reach him at CameronRiggers.thefront@gmail.com.
