Is Source of Income Discrimination Illegal in Washington?

Washington renters often rely on a variety of income sources, such as wages, Social Security, or government assistance like Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers. If you’re concerned about whether your landlord can reject you based on the way you pay rent, understanding Washington’s laws on source of income discrimination is essential.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination occurs when a landlord refuses to rent, renew a lease, or treats a tenant differently because of how they pay their rent. This can include wages, child support, Social Security, disability income, or housing vouchers.

• Denying rental applications due to Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers
• Charging extra fees or raising rent for tenants with government assistance
• Advertising “no Section 8” or similar restrictions

Is Source of Income Discrimination Banned in Washington?

Yes. Washington law prohibits landlords from discriminating against renters based on their source of income, including government or rental assistance. This protection applies to all types of housing, except for a few narrow exemptions (certain small owner-occupied buildings, for example) under Washington state law.

This right is found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 59.18.255 and is enforced by several agencies and tribunals.^[1]

Examples of Protected Income Sources

• Wages or salary from employment
• Disability benefits (SSI or SSDI)
• Unemployment or workers’ compensation
• Section 8/Housing Choice or other housing vouchers
• Veteran’s benefits
• Child support or alimony

Your Rights and Steps to Take

If you suspect you’ve been discriminated against because of your source of income, you can file a fair housing complaint and seek help from state agencies or tribunals.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

• Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is the main body that investigates discrimination claims.
• You can file online, by mail, or in person. Be sure to act quickly—there are filing deadlines.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

• WSHRC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  • When to use: If you believe you have been denied housing or treated unfairly due to your source of income.
  • How to use: Fill out the details about what happened, attach any supporting documents (emails, ads, etc.), and submit to the Washington State Human Rights Commission.
  • File a Housing Discrimination Complaint with the WSHRC
• Seattle Office for Civil Rights Housing Complaint Form (Seattle only)
  • When to use: If discrimination occurred within Seattle city limits, this office can assist with local enforcement.
  • How to use: Complete the form detailing the discriminatory act and submit to the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.
  • Submit a Housing Complaint to Seattle Office for Civil Rights

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Washington?

In most cases, rental issues—especially discrimination cases—start with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. For other disputes between landlords and tenants, the Washington courts (District or Superior Court) handle eviction and enforcement of rights under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18).^[2]

FAQ: Source of Income Discrimination in Washington

1. Can my landlord charge me more if I use a housing voucher?
   No. Landlords may not increase rent, fees, or deposits just because you use a rental voucher or government assistance.
2. What should I do if my application was denied for using government aid?
   Gather any written communication or advertisements that mention this, and file a discrimination complaint with the WSHRC as soon as possible.
3. Are there exemptions to Washington's source of income law?
   Certain small owner-occupied buildings (such as duplexes where the owner lives in one unit) may be exempt, but most rentals are covered.
4. Does this protection also apply to Section 8 housing vouchers?
   Yes. It is illegal for landlords to discriminate against Section 8 or Housing Choice Voucher holders anywhere in Washington state.
5. How long do I have to file a complaint?
   Generally, complaints must be filed within one year of the discriminatory act. Sooner is always better to preserve your claim.

Key Takeaways for Washington Renters

• Landlords in Washington cannot deny or treat you unfairly because of the way you pay rent—including on government or benefit income sources.
• If you think your rental rights have been violated, help is available through official state agencies and easy-to-use complaint forms.
• Act quickly and keep records to support your case and protect your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC): Main agency for fair housing complaints
• Washington Attorney General’s Office: Landlord-Tenant Information
• Washington Law Help: Tenant resources and legal guides
• Washington State Courts: For eviction and rental dispute filings
• For Seattle renters: Seattle Office for Civil Rights

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1. RCW 59.18.255 — Prohibited discrimination—Source of income—Definitions—Exemptions
2. Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)

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