Are landlords allowed to refuse service based on a tenant’s sexual orientation under Fair Housing Law?

In Washington, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants based on their sexual orientation, as outlined in the state’s Fair Housing Law. This means that landlords are not permitted to refuse service to prospective tenants based on their sexual orientation. The Fair Housing Law enacted in Washington in 2018 protects citizens from discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing on the basis of sexual orientation, as well as other protected characteristics like race, color, national origin, and gender identity. This means that a landlord is not allowed to deny potential tenants service or even charge them different rates because of their sexual orientation. It is illegal to advertise or suggest a preference for or against a certain sexual orientation in housing notices, applications or agreements. Furthermore, landlords cannot intimidate or interfere with a tenant’s rights because of their sexual orientation. For example, if a tenant has a same-sex partner visiting, the landlord would not be allowed to interfere. In Washington, it is important for landlords to be aware of their responsibility to not discriminate against tenants based on the state’s Fair Housing Law. Furthermore, tenants should be aware of their rights and know that they cannot be denied equal housing because of their sexual orientation.

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Are landlords allowed to refuse service based on a tenant’s sexual orientation under Fair Housing Law?

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