Washington Fair Housing Guide for Real Estate Exam Prep

Washington Fair Housing Guide

Washington State provides broader fair housing protections than federal law. Understanding the differences between federal and state fair housing coverage is essential for passing the Washington real estate exam.

Federal Fair Housing Act (7 Protected Classes)

The federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination based on: 1. Race 2. Color 3. National origin 4. Religion 5. Sex 6. Familial status (families with children under 18) 7. Handicap (disability)

These seven classes are tested on the national portion of the exam. All states must at minimum enforce these protections.

Washington State Fair Housing Law (Additional Classes)

Washington's Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60) adds several protected classes beyond federal law:

• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity and expression
• Marital status
• Military status (honorably discharged veterans)
• Creed
• Ancestry
• Use of a trained service animal or guide dog

On the Washington state exam, questions may ask which protected class applies in a given scenario. If a landlord refuses to rent to a veteran because of their military status, this violates Washington state law but not necessarily federal law — this is a frequently tested distinction.

Prohibited Practices

Washington prohibits all of the standard fair housing violations, including:

Steering: Directing buyers or renters toward or away from neighborhoods based on protected class.

Blockbusting: Inducing homeowners to sell by suggesting that members of a protected class are moving into the neighborhood.

Redlining: Refusing to lend or insure in specific geographic areas based on protected class demographics.

Discriminatory advertising: Any language in marketing materials that suggests a preference or limitation based on protected class.

Exemptions

Some narrow exemptions exist under both federal and state law: - Owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units (federal exemption only; Washington has stricter rules) - Single-family homes sold or rented by owner without a broker and without discriminatory advertising - Religious organizations and private clubs for non-commercial housing

Washington's exemptions are narrower than federal exemptions. When in doubt, Washington law prevails in Washington transactions.

Exam Tips

Focus on the additional protected classes Washington adds beyond federal law, particularly military status, gender identity, and use of service animals. The exam often presents a scenario where you must identify whether the violation is a state-only issue or also a federal violation. Know the difference.