Are landlords allowed to require tenants to submit to a credit check in accordance with Fair Housing Law?

Yes, landlords are allowed to require tenants to submit to a credit check in accordance with Fair Housing Law in Washington. However, landlords are also required to comply with the Washington State landlord-tenant laws and the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). Under the FHA, landlords are allowed to use screening criteria to ensure their tenants meet certain qualifications for tenancy. This includes running a credit check or background check. However, the law requires landlords to use these criteria consistently and not discriminate against tenants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, or military background. In Washington, landlords must give tenants a copy of their rental application and rental criteria before they run a credit check. The criteria must include information about what types of credit checks and reports the landlord will perform, such as a tenant history report, credit check, or criminal background check. Landlords must also explain the criteria and how the tenant may be affected by the results of the credit check or background check. In summary, landlords are allowed to require tenants to submit to a credit check in accordance with Fair Housing Law in Washington as long as it is done consistently and not in a way that discriminates against tenants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, or military background.

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Are landlords allowed to require tenants to submit to a credit check in accordance with Fair Housing Law?

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