Are landlords allowed to discriminate against tenants based on their marital status under Fair Housing Law?

No, landlords are not allowed to discriminate against tenants based on their marital status under Fair Housing Law in Washington. The Washington State Human Rights Commission enforces the Washington Law Against Discrimination and federal Fair Housing laws that protect tenants from discrimination based on marital status. These laws prohibit the denial or refusal of housing or the setting of different terms, conditions or privileges for tenants based on their marital status. The Federal Fair Housing Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination make it illegal for a landlord, real estate broker, real estate appraiser, insurer, lender, or other party to discriminate against tenants on the basis of their marital status. This means that a landlord cannot deny a tenant’s request to rent a property because they are unmarried (including single, divorced, or separated). Additionally, a landlord cannot offer different terms or conditions on the rental agreement, such as rental rate or deposits, based on a tenant’s marital status. The Fair Housing Act also protects tenants from other forms of discrimination such as age, disability, familial status, race, religion, national origin, or gender. Under this law, landlords are required to treat tenants who are in the same protected class equally when making rental and lease decisions. If a tenant feels they have been discriminated against based on their marital status, they may file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

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