Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60 § 49.60.2235
Unfair practice to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere regarding secured real estate transaction rights.
Operative Text
It is an unlawful practice to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of his or her having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of his or her having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of, rights regarding real estate transactions secured by RCW 49.60.030 , 49.60.040 , and 49.60.222 through 49.60.224 .
Washington law under RCW § 49.60.2235 prohibits anyone from using coercion, intimidation, threats, or interference to prevent a person from exercising their fair-housing rights in real estate transactions, or to punish them for having exercised those rights. The protection also extends to people who have helped or encouraged others to assert their rights under RCW 49.60.030, 49.60.040, and 49.60.222 through 49.60.224. In short, the rule creates a legal shield around the act of exercising—or supporting the exercise of—civil rights in housing transactions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Washington's fair-housing framework should be aware that RCW § 49.60.2235 bars conduct that pressures, threatens, or obstructs applicants, tenants, or third parties who are asserting or supporting fair-housing rights in real estate transactions. Compliant operators generally avoid any communication or action that could be construed as retaliatory or coercive toward someone who has filed a complaint, assisted a complainant, or simply exercised a protected right. Maintaining clear, documented, and consistent policies helps demonstrate that business decisions are based on legitimate, non-discriminatory factors rather than on a person's fair-housing activity.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under RCW § 49.60.2235, tenants and housing applicants have the right to exercise their fair-housing protections in real estate transactions without facing threats, intimidation, or interference—and that protection extends to anyone who has helped or encouraged them to do so. If a landlord or other party takes adverse action that appears connected to a fair-housing complaint or the assertion of rights under RCW 49.60.030, 49.60.040, or 49.60.222 through 49.60.224, that conduct may itself constitute a separate unlawful practice. General enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission, raising the violation as a defense in a legal proceeding, or consulting a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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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