RCW 59.18.255 prohibits King County landlords from refusing to rent based on a tenant's lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, veterans benefits, child support, and unemployment compensation.
Washington's source-of-income protection took effect statewide in 2018, predating most cities' parallel ordinances. Landlords may not advertise no-Section-8, refuse voucher holders, or impose income-multiple tests that effectively exclude voucher recipients (the multiplier may apply only to the tenant's portion of rent, not the full rent). King County also runs a Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund offering up to $5,000 per unit to cover damages exceeding the deposit, intended to reduce landlord resistance to voucher tenants. Seattle's First-in-Time ordinance adds a separate requirement that landlords accept the first qualified applicant rather than picking among them.
Refusing voucher holders, advertising no-Section-8, or applying full-rent income multipliers can result in Washington Human Rights Commission complaints, civil damages, and attorney fees, with Seattle imposing additional fines up to $11,000 per violation.
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way permits construction under WAC 173-60.050 exemptions between 7 AM and 10 PM. Sunday work near homes is typically restricted. Work outside the win...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way prohibits dogs that bark or howl continuously and disturb neighbors under FWRC Title 9. Typical threshold is 20 minutes of continuous noise. Comp...
Federal Way, WA
Outdoor music events in Federal Way need a special event permit on public property or when amplified beyond neighborhood levels. Receiving limits at residenc...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way limits on-street RV and boat trailer parking to 72 hours. In residential zones, RVs on private property must be parked on a paved or gravel surfa...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at the Transit C...
Federal Way, WA
Under RCW 46.55, Federal Way police can tag and tow a vehicle left on a public street for more than 72 hours. On private property, owners follow state impoun...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how Federal Way's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
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