Renters

Welcome to renting in Bremerton! Whatever help you may need, this website is here for you. 
  1. Starting Out
  2. Check the Unit
  3. Security Deposits
  4. Utilities
  5. Repair Requests
  6. Notices from Your Landlord
  7. When it's Time to Go
  8. Rental Assistance and Resources

Starting Out



Bremerton is a competitive rental market, and there is a lot to know before you apply. Here you can get informed before you search.

Searching for Housing
There is a lot of discussion these days about "affordable housing". Sometimes affordable housing refers to the reality that market rate housing in the Puget Sound area can be extremely expensive. City leaders are making housing affordability a priority. 

Affordable housing can also refer more specifically to housing that is subsidized or income-based. There are many sources of "subsidized housing," but as a general rule, rent is restricted and they require income-eligibility and verification. One of the largest affordable housing providers is the federally-funded Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA). BHA administers a "Housing Choice Voucher" program formerly known as "Section 8."  To learn more about BHA housing, visit the BHA website.

To find rental housing, many renters look to public web sites like Craigslist and Zillow or use phone apps like PadMapper and Trulia. Posting your own ad on Craigslist under "Housing Wanted" can sometimes be successful. Always be wary of potential scams and remain cautious when providing personal information. Renting can be a competitive business, so thinking creatively can help.   

Tip: Search notice boards at markets and community hubs in the neighborhood where you're looking to move. 

If an issue arises that would be covered under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA) or other State or Federal law, the reader should seek legal counsel and ultimately refer to the State or Federal law. This document should only serve as an introduction to what is covered in State or Federal law and does not constitute legal advice. This article was written in 2020; for up-to-date information see City, State, and Federal law. The links provided above are not endorsed or verified by the City of Bremerton and are provided for reference only.