Is a landlord required to respond to complaints about violations of Fair Housing Law?

Yes, landlords are required to respond to complaints about violations of Fair Housing Law in Washington. The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is responsible for enforcing the state’s fair housing laws. According to the WSHRC, landlords must comply with fair housing laws and be able to show that they have taken action to address any complaints about discrimination in the housing market. The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against people in the housing market on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, veteran or military status, or use of a service animal by a person with a disability. The WSHRC takes complaints of discrimination in housing very seriously and provides resources and guidance to landlords on how to comply with the law. Landlords must be able to demonstrate that they have taken action to address the complaint. This could include taking a corrective action such as giving the tenant another lease option that fits the requirements of fair housing law or providing more information to the tenant on the rights they have. In any case, it is important for landlords to be aware of the fair housing laws in place in Washington, and to take appropriate measures to address complaints when they arise. Failure to respond to complaints can result in penalties and fines being administered.

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