Protected Tenant Groups Under Washington Fair Housing Laws

Fair housing laws in Washington State protect renters from discrimination. If you rent a home or apartment, it’s important to understand these protections so you know your rights if problems arise with a landlord. Knowing about protected classes helps you recognize when an action might be illegal discrimination, allowing you to take informed steps if needed.

What Are Protected Classes Under Washington Fair Housing Laws?

Both federal and Washington State laws make it illegal for landlords or property managers to discriminate against renters based on specific personal characteristics. These are known as protected classes. The goal is to ensure everyone has equal access to housing, regardless of their background or identity.

Federal Protected Classes

According to the federal Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to discriminate based on:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (having children under 18, pregnancy, or custody of children)

You can review these federal protections on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Title VIII information page.

Protected Classes in Washington State

Washington goes even further by adding state-specific protections. Under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60) and the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18), it is also illegal to discriminate against a renter because of:

• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Marital status
• Veteran or military status
• Use of a service animal
• Source of income* (including public assistance, SSI, Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers)
• Immigration or citizenship status

(*Housing providers cannot refuse to rent to you simply because you use a federal housing voucher or other lawful rent assistance. See Washington Attorney General’s FAQs on Source of Income Discrimination for details.)

Examples of Housing Discrimination

• A landlord charging a higher deposit only to tenants with children.
• Refusing to rent to someone because they have a housing voucher.
• Denying a renter’s request for a reasonable accommodation for a service animal.

Discrimination can be subtle or direct. If you believe you are treated differently because of a protected class, you may have grounds for a complaint.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Washington

If you experience discrimination, Washington State provides formal ways to address the issue. The primary agencies that handle housing discrimination complaints are:

• Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Most renters will work with the WSHRC, Washington’s main tribunal for residential tenancy discrimination cases. You do not need an attorney to file a complaint, and there is no cost.

Official Complaint Form: Human Rights Commission Intake Questionnaire

• Form Name: Housing Complaint Intake Questionnaire (no specific number)
• How it’s used: Use this form if you believe you have been denied housing, evicted, or treated unfairly due to a protected characteristic listed above.
• Access the official complaint form instructions and online filing portal here.

Renter Example: If a landlord refuses to rent to you because you receive SSI or Section 8 assistance, download and complete the Housing Complaint Intake Questionnaire, then submit it to the WSHRC using their website or by mail/fax. You will be guided on next steps, including providing evidence or details about your case.

What Happens After Filing a Complaint?

The Human Rights Commission will review your complaint, investigate if needed, and may attempt to resolve the dispute between you and the landlord. If evidence of discrimination is found, the Commission can order remedies, including allowing you to rent the property or paying compensation. The landlord cannot retaliate against you for submitting a complaint.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation and Resources

• Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60)
• Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)
• Washington State Human Rights Commission (tribunal for housing discrimination)

Reviewing these resources can give you more details about your rights as a renter in Washington.

FAQ: Washington Fair Housing and Protected Classes

1. What should I do if I suspect my landlord is discriminating against me?
   Document the incident, collect evidence (like written communication), and contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission to file a complaint or discuss your situation.
2. Are criminal background checks considered discrimination?
   While landlords may use criminal background checks, blanket bans may violate fair housing rules. Washington restricts discrimination based on arrest records that did not result in a conviction, but convictions may be considered under certain guidelines.
3. Can my landlord deny me because I use a Section 8 or Housing Choice Voucher?
   No. Washington law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to you solely because of your source of income, including Section 8 or other housing vouchers.
4. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   You generally have 1 year from the date of the incident to file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
5. Will my landlord know if I file a complaint?
   The landlord will be notified if a formal investigation is opened, but retaliation against you for filing is illegal in Washington.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Washington protects renters from housing discrimination based on several state and federal categories.
• Discrimination can include refusing to rent, charging different amounts, or unfair eviction based on a protected class.
• If you suspect discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission without cost or a lawyer.

Understanding protected classes helps renters protect themselves and seek help if their housing rights are violated.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington State Human Rights Commission – Fair Housing Complaints: 1-800-233-3247, TTY 1-800-300-7525
• Washington State Office of the Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Resources
• Washington LawHelp – Housing for Renters
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing

---

1. Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60)
2. Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)
3. Washington State Human Rights Commission
4. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing Act

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations