Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60 § 49.60.223
Unfair practice to induce sale or rental of real property by representations regarding entry into neighborhood of persons of particular race, disability, etc.
Operative Text
It is an unfair practice for any person, for profit, to induce or attempt to induce any person to sell or rent any real property by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular race, creed, color, sex, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, families with children status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or with any sensory, mental, or physical disability and/or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person who is blind, deaf, or physically disabled.
Washington's Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.223 prohibits a practice commonly known as 'blockbusting' — using representations about the racial, ethnic, religious, disability-related, or other protected-class composition of a neighborhood to pressure or persuade someone to sell or rent their property. The rule applies when such conduct is carried out for profit, and it covers a broad range of protected characteristics including race, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, familial status, veteran status, and disability. Any statement — whether alarming or merely suggestive — that invokes the entry of protected-class individuals as a reason to transact is treated as an unfair practice under Washington law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.223, property owners and real estate professionals operating for profit must avoid making any representations about the demographic or protected-class characteristics of a neighborhood's current or prospective residents when soliciting a sale or rental. Compliant operators train staff and agents to steer clear of comments — even casual or indirect ones — that link neighborhood change to race, disability, immigration status, or any other protected characteristic. Maintaining clear, written policies against blockbusting-style solicitation is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.223 gives individuals the right to be free from profit-motivated pressure to sell or rent based on representations about who is moving into their neighborhood. If someone believes they have been subjected to this type of blockbusting conduct, Washington's Law Against Discrimination provides enforcement pathways, including filing a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission, which administers the state's fair housing provisions. Tenant-rights organizations and fair housing councils in Washington can also help individuals understand what options may be available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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