Wash. Admin. Code § 162-38 § 162-38-010
Scope and purpose of chapter.
Operative Text
(1) Confined to unfair practices. This chapter interprets and implements the disability discrimination coverage provided by the law against discrimination regarding unfair practices in real estate transactions, RCW 49.60.222 through 49.60.340 . This chapter applies to the unfair practices which the commission is empowered by RCW 49.60.120 (4) to eliminate and prevent through the administrative process provided in RCW 49.60.230 through 49.60.270 .
(2) Principal statutes interpreted. The statutes principally interpreted in this chapter are RCW 49.60.222 through 49.60.225 . This chapter does not define the scope of the civil right to be free from discrimination because of a disability declared in RCW 49.60.030 or interpret other statutes.
(3) Sources of policy guidance. In applying and interpreting the provisions of the law against discrimination regarding discrimination in real estate transactions based upon the presence of a sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a disabled person, the commission is guided by the following:
(a) Legislative policy statements found in RCW 49.60.010 , 49.60.030 , 70.84.010 and 70.92.100 ; and
(b) The federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, 42 U.S.C. 3601, et seq.
(4) Related statutes and regulations. Chapter 70.92 RCW (provisions in buildings for aged and disabled persons); chapter 70.84 RCW ("white cane law" for disabled persons); chapter 19.27 RCW (state building code); chapter 162-26 WAC (disability discrimination in public accommodations); chapter 162-22 WAC (disability discrimination in employment); chapter 162-40 WAC (disability discrimination in credit transactions); chapter 162-36 WAC (unfair practices in real estate transactions); and chapter 51-30 WAC (standards for barrier-free facilities).Wash. Admin. Code § 162-38-010 et seq. establishes the scope and purpose of Washington's administrative rules addressing disability discrimination in real estate transactions. The chapter interprets and implements the state's law against discrimination—specifically RCW 49.60.222 through 49.60.340—focusing on unfair practices that the Washington State Human Rights Commission is empowered to address. It draws policy guidance from both state legislative declarations and the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, and it operates alongside a network of related state statutes and regulations covering accessibility, building codes, and other forms of disability discrimination.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Washington should be aware that Wash. Admin. Code § 162-38-010 et seq. defines the administrative framework under which the Washington State Human Rights Commission investigates and acts on disability-related discrimination complaints in real estate transactions. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with the unfair practices prohibited under RCW 49.60.222 through 49.60.225, as well as related accessibility requirements found in chapters like 70.92 RCW and 51-30 WAC. Understanding how this chapter connects to the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 helps operators recognize the breadth of standards that may apply to their properties and practices.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Admin. Code § 162-38-010 et seq. outlines the administrative rules that govern how Washington State addresses disability discrimination in housing and real estate transactions, giving the Washington State Human Rights Commission authority to investigate and work to eliminate such unfair practices. Tenants who believe they have experienced disability-based discrimination in a real estate transaction may have recourse through the administrative process described in RCW 49.60.230 through 49.60.270. General enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission or consulting a tenant-rights organization to better understand how this chapter and related statutes like the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 may apply.
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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