Washington State Human Rights Commission

Fair Housing & Real Estate Resources

Disability Access Requirements in New Construction Housing Projects Receiving Public Support in Washington State

Unlike other discrimination complaints, complaints relating to housing or real estate must be filed within one year of the date of the alleged discrimination.

FAIR HOUSING OCCUPANCY STANDARDS

On February 20, 1998, the Commission issued a Guidance Memorandum on Fair Housing Occupancy Standards. This is an important issue for landlords and for families with children seeking fair housing opportunities. Click here for the full text of the Occupancy Standards guidance memorandum.

Interaction between Federal and State Law

The Commission has a cooperative agreement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to process and investigate dual-filed housing complaints for which our Commission receives finding under the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). The Commission is a FHAP agency because our law is substantially equivalent to the federal Fair Housing Act. Most of the Commission's housing cases are dual-filed with HUD; however, the state fair housing law is more expansive than the federal fair housing law and occasionally the Commission will prepare a complaint with Commission jurisdiction only.

U.S. Dept of Justice Fair Housing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Making Home Affordable Program

Homeowners NEVER have to pay to participate in the President’s Making Home Affordable program. I encourage anyone trying to modify or refinance their loans to a monthly mortgage payment that is affordable to visit the Making Home Affordable website at makinghomeaffordable.gov. Homeowners can also call the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE for free foreclosure counseling assistance.

Click the following links for the Making Home Affordable brochure in English or Spanish (Espanol) also Spanish (Espanol) outline