Washington § 59.18.580 - Victim protection — Limitation on tenant screening service provider disclosures and landlord's rental decisions.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.580 — Victim protection — Limitation on tenant screening service provider disclosures and landlord's rental decisions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 59.18.580. Victim protection — Limitation on tenant screening service provider disclosures and landlord's rental decisions.

(1) A tenant screening service provider may not (a) disclose a tenant's, applicant's, or household member's status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or (b) knowingly disclose that a tenant, applicant, or household member has previously terminated a rental agreement under RCW 59.18.575.
(2) A landlord may not terminate a tenancy, fail to renew a tenancy, or refuse to enter into a rental agreement based on the tenant's or applicant's or a household member's status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or based on the tenant or applicant having terminated a rental agreement under RCW 59.18.575.
(3) A landlord who refuses to enter into a rental agreement in violation of subsection (2) of this section may be liable to the tenant or applicant in a civil action for damages sustained by the tenant or applicant. The prevailing party may also recover court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.
(4) It is a defense to an unlawful detainer action under chapter 59.12 RCW that the action to remove the tenant and recover possession of the premises is in violation of subsection (2) of this section.
(5) This section does not prohibit adverse housing decisions based upon other lawful factors within the landlord's knowledge or prohibit volunteer disclosure by an applicant of any victim circumstances.
[ 2013 c 54 s 1; 2004 c 17 s 4.]

Notes

Effective date—2013 c 54: "This act takes effect January 1, 2014." [ 2013 c 54 s 2.]
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2004 c 17: See notes following RCW 59.18.570.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 59.18.580

What does Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.580 cover?

Section 59.18.580 ("Victim protection — Limitation on tenant screening service provider disclosures and landlord's rental decisions.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.580" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

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