Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Tenant Discrimination

Hello, yesterday I tried to get an application for a 2 bedroom apartment, the landlord said that she had two apartments available, she asked who the apartment was for, I told her it was for me, my boyfriend and my 3 children.

She then asked how old the children were and what sex they were. I told her, and then she said that the apartments that she had would not work for me.

Is it legal to refuse to rent to me just based on the fact that I have a boyfriend and 3 children of a certain age and sex?

And if so what can I do about it?

Thanks so much for your response.


Asked on 12/19/07, 10:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Tenant Discrimination

Probably doesn't pass the discrimination test. You may want to contact the Human Rights Commission in Olympia and follow the instructions for filing a complaint.

Finances are considered a basis to deny a tenancy. If your credit is bad, the landlord can decline to rent to you. THAT is permissible. But race, gender, marital status and family status are impermissible reasons to decline housing.

If you start at access.wa.gov, you will find Human Rights. Hope this helps you. Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 12/20/07, 1:11 am


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