It is extremely important for all landlords to become very familiar with Fair Housing Laws. Discrimination lawsuits can be avoided by understanding the law and using a detailed and well-documented tenant selection system that applies the same criteria to each applicant. Use a phone log to date and document names and conversations of those calling about your unit. Treat every applicant fairly and equally and follow the policy of accepting the first qualified applicant.
PROTECTED CLASSES RECOGNIZED UNDER THE FAIR HOUSING ACT INCLUDE:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- Familial Status
- Handicap
- National Origin
Familiarize yourself with Fair Housing Law
Landlord Tenant Liaison Program
The Wenatchee Valley Landlord Tenant Liaison Program (WV-LTL) is part of the City of Wenatchee’s Ten-Year Plan to end homelessness. Since Chelan and Douglas counties are unable to build enough new rental properties to address our housing shortage, we are partnering with private landlords in our community to rent to our most vulnerable clients. The WV-LTL is looking for private landlords who are willing to rent to households who have rental barriers such as past eviction, criminal background or bad credit, often due to circumstances not within their control.
HUD Information
Fair Market Rents
Guide to Disability and
Washington State
Nondiscrimination Laws
Resource Library from Northwest Fair Housing Alliance
Service Animals
Guide to Service Animals and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination
(Also, see links to brochures below)
Reasonable Accommodations Under Fair Housing Act
Fair Housing Brochures
- Guidance for Health care provider for verifying Reasonable Accommodation in Housing- English
- Guidance for Health care provider for verifying Reasonable Accommodation in Housing– Spanish
- Assistance Animal in Housing (Guidance for people with Disabilities) – English
- Assistance Animal in Housing (Guidance for people with Disabilities) – Spanish
Immigration & Citizenship Status Under Washington State Law Against Discrimination
FAQ’s
101 Frequently Asked Questions for Property Owners and Managers