Wash. Admin. Code § 162-38 § 162-38-060
General rules.
Operative Text
(1) General principles apply. The unfair practices in real estate transactions as defined in RCW 49.60.222 through 49.60.225 apply to claims of disability discrimination. This chapter deals with special questions as to the application of the law to disability discrimination. Where no special provision is made by the statute, by this chapter, or by exception by the commissioners under WAC 162-06-030 , general principles of nondiscrimination apply. (2) Statutory rules. It is an unfair practice for any person to do any of the acts enumerated in RCW 49.60.222 through 49.60.225 because of the presence of a sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a disabled person. For purposes of this chapter, an unfair practice in a real estate transaction on the basis of a disability includes discrimination because of a disability of the buyer or renter, a person residing in or intending to reside in that dwelling after it is so sold, rented or made available, or any person associated with that buyer or renter.
Wash. Admin. Code § 162-38-060 establishes that Washington's general fair-housing rules against unfair practices in real estate transactions—as set out in RCW 49.60.222 through 49.60.225—apply fully to disability discrimination. The provision makes clear that an unfair practice can be based on the disability of the buyer or renter, someone who will live in the dwelling, or even a person merely associated with the buyer or renter. Where the statute or this chapter does not address a specific situation, the broader nondiscrimination principles under WAC 162-06-030 fill the gap.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Admin. Code § 162-38-060, property owners and managers are expected to apply the same nondiscrimination standards used for other protected classes to all aspects of disability-related housing decisions. Compliant operators generally avoid treating applicants or residents differently because of a disability affecting them, a future occupant, or an associated person, and they also accommodate the use of trained dog guides or service animals. When a situation is not explicitly addressed by this chapter, operators typically look to the general nondiscrimination principles referenced in WAC 162-06-030 to guide their practices.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Admin. Code § 162-38-060 affirms that tenants and applicants are protected from unfair practices in real estate transactions on the basis of disability, covering not only the renter's own disability but also the disability of a household member or an associated person. If a tenant believes a landlord has violated these protections, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission, which administers the law under RCW 49.60.222 through 49.60.225. Tenant-rights organizations in Washington can also help individuals understand what documentation or steps are commonly involved in pursuing such a claim.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.