Are landlords allowed to refuse tenants based on their race under Fair Housing Law?

No, landlords are not allowed to refuse tenants based on their race under Fair Housing Law in Washington. The Fair Housing Law was designed to protect individuals from discriminating practices in housing and related opportunities. It states that it is illegal to refuse tenants based on race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, gender, familial status, or disability. More specifically, Washington’s fair housing law prohibits direct, indirect, or subtle discriminatory practices, including refusing to rent or sell a unit on the basis of race. Landlords also cannot use any form of advertising which fails to contain language that expresses that everyone is welcome. For example, landlords cannot advertise for “white only” tenants. In addition, landlords must provide equal opportunity for everyone seeking housing to inspect the property, fill out applications, and make agreements. They must not refuse offers of housing based on the race of the tenant. Landlords must also comply with equal access regulations, ensuring access for everyone regardless of race. The Washington State Human Rights Commission is the government agency that receives complaints and enforces the Fair Housing Law. If a violation is found, the state may impose civil penalties or make the landlord pay damages to the tenant. To ensure compliance, landlords should be familiar with the Fair Housing Law, its different regulations, and the consequences of not following it. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defense in the face of legal action.

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Are landlords allowed to refuse tenants based on their race under Fair Housing Law?

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