Are there laws that protect a tenant from being asked for too much information by a landlord?

Yes, there are laws in Washington that protect tenants from being asked for too much information by a landlord. The Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act limits the information a landlord may request from a tenant. The law states that a landlord can only ask for non-discriminatory information that is related to the tenant’s ability to pay rent and maintain the rental agreement. This means that a landlord cannot ask for a tenant’s social security number, credit card information, or other financial details, such as bank account numbers. If a landlord request information that is not related to the rental agreement, such as an applicant’s religious affiliation or criminal history, the tenant can file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General. A landlord is also not allowed to ask for a tenant’s salary, as this could lead to discrimination. Instead, a landlord should look for other signs of financial stability, such as employment history, references, and rental history. If a tenant is worried about a landlord asking for too much information, or if the tenant feels that their privacy is being violated, they can contact their local tenant’s rights organization. This could provide the tenant with more information on their rights and the steps they can take if they feel their rights have been violated.

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Are there laws that protect a tenant from being asked for too much information by a landlord?

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