Are there any special protections for tenants with disabilities under Fair Housing Law?

Yes, Fair Housing Law in Washington State provides special protections for tenants with disabilities. Under the law, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on disability, and must make reasonable accommodations in policies, housing rules, and services to give disabled tenants the same opportunity to use and enjoy the unit as tenants without disabilities. To be protected under the law, the tenant must have a physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more of their major life activities. The disability must require some kind of accommodation to make it possible for the tenant to properly use and enjoy the housing unit, have been present when the tenant applied for the rental unit, or have been known or knowable to the landlord. In terms of accommodations, landlords have to allow tenant modifications at the tenant’s expense, waive pet restrictions for assistance animals, provide accessible parking, and make reasonable exceptions to “no subletting” policies. In addition, landlords must make reasonable efforts to allow the tenant to use common areas and amenities, and make reasonable accommodations in response to tenant requests. In Washington, tenants can contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission to file an official complaint if they believe they are not being provided these protections. The Commission will investigate the complaint and determine whether any violations of the Fair Housing Act have occurred.

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