Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60 § 49.60.010
Purpose of chapter.
Operative Text
This chapter shall be known as the "law against discrimination." It is an exercise of the police power of the state for the protection of the public welfare, health, and peace of the people of this state, and in fulfillment of the provisions of the Constitution of this state concerning civil rights. The legislature hereby finds and declares that practices of discrimination against any of its inhabitants because of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability are a matter of state concern, that such discrimination threatens not only the rights and proper privileges of its inhabitants but menaces the institutions and foundation of a free democratic state. A state agency is herein created with powers with respect to elimination and prevention of discrimination in employment, in credit and insurance transactions, in places of public resort, accommodation, or amusement, and in real property transactions because of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; and the commission established hereunder is hereby given general jurisdiction and power for such purposes.
Washington's Law Against Discrimination, established under Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.010 et seq., reflects the state legislature's formal declaration that discriminatory practices in housing, employment, credit, and other areas threaten the welfare of all residents. The law identifies a broad set of protected characteristics — including race, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, and others — against which discrimination is prohibited. A state agency, the Washington State Human Rights Commission, was created specifically to prevent and eliminate such discrimination in real property transactions and other covered areas.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.010 et seq., property owners and managers operating in Washington are subject to the state's Law Against Discrimination, which covers real property transactions broadly. Compliant operators generally apply consistent, documented criteria when screening applicants, setting terms, and managing tenancies, without regard to any of the protected characteristics enumerated in the statute. The Washington State Human Rights Commission holds jurisdiction to investigate complaints arising from housing-related conduct, making familiarity with the law's scope an important part of property management practice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.010 et seq. establishes that Washington residents have a state-level right to be free from discrimination in real property transactions based on characteristics such as race, disability, familial status, immigration status, and sexual orientation, among others. Tenants who believe they have experienced discriminatory treatment in renting or leasing may file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission, which has authority to investigate and act on such claims. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can also help individuals understand what options may be available under this chapter.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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