Domestic violence survivors have extra protections under Washington State laws governing tenancy.

Domestic violence survivors cannot be discriminated against because of their status as survivors, or because of damage perpetrators cause to the units survivors live in. Survivors also have the right to legally break their lease to escape an abuser. You can see the specifics about lease breaking for survivors and what documentation is needed as well as other protections by reading RCW 59.18.570 through 59.18.585.

In addition, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because of your status as a domestic violence survivor. Due to the complexity of domestic violence, tenants who are in these situations may find it helpful to discuss their situation with a Tenant Counselor to get general information as well as referrals to free legal services, domestic violence support and other community resources that are available.

The information contained in this tip or linked to the Solid Ground Tenant Services website is for informational purposes only. Solid Ground makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to its website. Solid Ground cannot act as your attorney. Solid Ground makes no representations, expressed or implied, that the information contained in or linked to its website can or will be used or interpreted in any particular way by any governmental agency or court. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. Solid Ground Tenant Counselors offer these tenant tips as generalized information for renters. People with specific questions should call our Tenant Services hotline at 206.694.6767  Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.