Fair Housing

Fair Housing
In Seattle it is illegal to discriminate in the rental or sale of housing because of:
  • National origin
  • Marital status
  • Political ideology
  • Parental status
  • Pregnancy outcomes 
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Use of a service animal
  • Use of a Section 8 certificate or other subsidy programs
  • Military status or veteran
  • Criminal history

Property managers demonstrate fair housing by:
  • Gladly receiving inquiries from all.
  • Applying fair and equitable criteria when evaluating applicants.
  • Enforcing rules equally and without discrimination.
  • Setting rents, deposits and fees without discrimination.
  • Responding to repair requests and other tenant concerns equally.
  • Providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.

If you believe you have been discriminated against:

Inside Seattle, Contact:
City of Seattle
Office for Civil Rights
810 Third Avenue, Suite 750
Seattle, WA 98104-1627
(206) 684-4500, TTY 7-1-1
File a complaint online

Outside Seattle, Contact:
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
909 First Avenue, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98104-1000
(206) 220-5170
1 (800) 877-0246


Fair Housing Resources

Seattle Fair Housing Poster (Open Housing)

Seattle Fair Housing Poster (Open Housing)

SOCR Rules - Chapter 70: Fair Housing Posters - Posting Requirements Seattle Open Housing Poster - SMC Chapter 14.08.015


Fair Chance Housing

In August 2017, the City of Seattle passed Fair Chance Housing legislation to help prevent unfair bias in housing against renters with a past criminal record. 

The new ordinance prevents landlords from unfairly denying applicants housing based on criminal history. It also prohibits the use of advertising language that automatically or categorically excludes people with arrest records, conviction records, or criminal history.

Visit the Fair Chance Housing page for more details. If you have been denied housing because of criminal history, file a complaint.


Source of Income  Protections

Seattle's Open Housing Ordinance - SMC 14.08  

Rules: Source of Income Protections

Frequently Asked Questions: Alternative Source of Income, Subsidies, and Preferred Employer Programs


For Renters and Property Managers


Fair Housing and People With Disabilities


Domestic Violence and Your Housing Rights


Fair Housing Guide For Renters and Home Buyers


For Housing Providers

Sample Policies

Civil Rights

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The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) works to advance civil rights and end barriers to equity. We enforce laws against illegal discrimination in employment, housing, public places, and contracting within Seattle.