Did you know?? For more than 25 years now, it has been illegal for landlords to turn away tenants who have Section 8 housing vouchers in Seattle.
On September 19, 2016, new legislation went into effect within the City of Seattle that expands fair housing protections for renters called the Source of Income Protection Ordinance. This created new requirements for landlords that prohibit them from discriminating against renters who use subsidies or alternative sources of income, such as Social Security or child support, to pay for their housing costs.
What can Source of Income Discrimination (SOID) look like?
The following actions cannot be taken against a renter based on the renter’s use of a subsidy or alternative source of income:
- Denying an application for housing
- Refusing to show a unit to a prospective tenant
- Expelling or evicting a tenant
- Applying different terms and conditions
- Harassing or retaliating against a tenant
- Using preferences or limitations in advertising
If you think you have been a victim of Source of Income Discrimination, please contact Seattle Office for Civil Rights at 206.684.4500, or call Solid Ground’s Tenant Services Message Hotline at 206.694.6767, open Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30 – 1:30pm, to leave a message with a Tenant Counselor.
Stephanie says
Is this only in Seattle? Does Tacoma/Pierce County have any such laws for potential tenant protection? Is it only for Section 8? What about hen (housing & essential needs)? I have been inquiring about apartments for over a month and have been turned away for having an eviction. If they are guaranteed rent through Share & Care, why should a past eviction due to non-payment have any effect on the current ability to pay rent? My eviction was due to non-payment of rent due to losing my job due to disability, not for any kind of criminal or neighbor complaint reasons. My previous neighbors didn’t even know I lived in the unit for almost 2 years bc they never saw me or heard anything from the unit. I am currently desperately in need of an apartment, but am having trouble finding a community that will accept me with the eviction.