What legal recourse is available to tenants who have been discriminated against in violation of Fair Housing Law?

In Washington, those who have been discriminated against in violation of Fair Housing Law have several legal options available. The first step is to contact the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the federal agency responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Law. Under HUD’s process for filing a complaint, the individual can either contact their regional HUD office directly or fill out a Fair Housing Complaint Form online, detailing the incident(s) of discrimination. HUD will then investigate the complaint and, if necessary, offer mediation services to resolve the issue or file a formal complaint. In addition, discrimination victims may seek a remedy through the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC). Victims of discrimination can file a complaint with the WSHRC, who will investigate and potentially go to court to secure a remedy. The WSHRC also has the power to issue cease and desist orders if necessary. Finally, individuals can potentially file a lawsuit in a local court. If the suit is successful, the court may award damages, known as a “compensatory award,” to the individual who was discriminated against. Compensatory damages are intended to return the individual to his or her pre-discriminatory state, as if the discriminatory action had never occurred. These legal remedies are available to all tenants in Washington who have been discriminated against in violation of Fair Housing Law. It is important for individuals to remember that discrimination is illegal and that they do have options available to them when it does occur.

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