Fair housing violations are one of the most expensive mistakes a landlord can make — and often, they happen accidentally, not intentionally.
In Washington State, landlords must follow both federal and state fair housing laws, and there are additional protections at the city and county levels (especially in Seattle and Vancouver).
At VPMG Property Management, we’ve seen well-meaning landlords get into legal trouble over things as small as wording in a rental ad or inconsistent screening decisions.
Here’s what every Washington landlord needs to know — plus the most common mistakes to avoid.
✅ Protected Classes in Washington State
Under Federal Fair Housing Laws, you cannot discriminate based on:
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Race
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Color
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Religion
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National Origin
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Sex (including gender identity & sexual orientation)
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Disability
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Familial Status (pregnancy or children)
Washington State adds more protections, including:
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Marital status
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Military/veteran status
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Source of income (such as Section 8 / housing vouchers)
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Age (over 40) — in employment-related housing situations
🚫 Common Fair Housing Mistakes Landlords Make
1. Using Discriminatory Language in Rental Ads
Bad examples (illegal):
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“Perfect for single professionals”
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“No kids” or “Ideal for mature couple”
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“Christians preferred”
✅ Better phrasing:
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“Studio apartment — max occupancy 2 per fire code”
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“No smoking. Must meet income and credit requirements”
2. Treating Applicants Differently
You must apply the same screening criteria to everyone, every time.
❌ Mistake: Waiving the application fee for someone you “like” but not others
❌ Mistake: Asking different questions based on ethnicity, disability, or accent
✅ Solution: Create written criteria and apply them consistently.
3. Refusing Tenants with Section 8 or Alternative Income
In Washington, source of income is a protected class — you cannot reject someone simply because they use housing assistance.
✅ You can still screen based on rental history, credit, and behavior — as long as you apply it equally.
4. Handling Service Animals Incorrectly
A service animal or emotional support animal (ESA) is not considered a “pet” under fair housing laws.
❌ Illegal: Charging pet rent or denying an applicant because of an ESA
✅ Legal: Requesting documentation for emotional support animals only (not service dogs)
5. Asking Illegal Questions During Showings
Avoid any questions that could be interpreted as discriminatory, such as:
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“Do you go to church?”
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“How many children do you plan to have?”
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“Where are you from originally?”
Stick to rental-related questions only (income, move-in date, pets, etc.)
🛡️ How to Stay Compliant as a Washington Landlord
| Risk Area | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Rental Ads | Use neutral language — focus on property, not people |
| Screening | Use written criteria and apply it consistently |
| ESA / Service Animals | Allow without fees; request documentation only when legally allowed |
| Income Source | Treat vouchers as income — but verify rental history like normal |
| Communication | Document everything in writing for protection |
Final Thought: Fair Housing Compliance Isn’t Optional
A single complaint can result in:
❌ Fines up to $10,000+
❌ Lawsuits and legal fees
❌ Permanent listing in discrimination databases
At VPMG Property Management, we help landlords stay fully compliant by:
✔ Handling tenant screening legally
✔ Providing approved rental ad templates
✔ Managing ESA/service animal requests properly
Want peace of mind with fair housing compliance?
Let VPMG handle your screening and leasing process the right way. Get top rated property management services in Vancouver, WA!