Are landlords required to honor existing leases in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Yes, landlords are required to honor existing leases in accordance with Fair Housing Law in Washington. The Fair Housing Act, which was established in 1968, guarantees equal opportunity in housing regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. This means that landlords are not allowed to discriminate against any tenants who have an existing lease. The Washington State Human Rights Commission is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Fair Housing Act in the state. The Commission ensures that no landlords or property owners violate the Act by refusing or limiting an individual’s right to rent or purchase a home. Under the Fair Housing Law in Washington, a landlord is obligated to honor existing lease agreements regardless of any of the tenant’s protected statuses. This means that a landlord must not use any of the tenant’s demographic information, such as national origin, sex, or race, to modify the lease agreement, even if the tenant’s demographics change. If a landlord does violate the Fair Housing Law, tenants can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. The Commission will investigate the complaint, determine if the landlord violated the Act, and enforce the appropriate legal action. In conclusion, landlords in Washington must honor existing lease agreements in accordance with the Fair Housing Law. This includes respecting the demographic information of tenants and not changing the terms of the lease agreement because of any changes in their protected status.
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