Fair Housing Resources

Fair Housing News


National Fair Housing Advocate Online is a resource designed to serve both the fair housing advocacy community and the general public with timely news and information regarding the issues of housing discrimination.

Fair Housing Update Newsletter has links to fair housing articles, free workshops and an option to subscribe to the free newsletter published by the Fair Housing Partners of Washington.

Fair Housing Law and Enforcement


Federal law prohibits discrimination in the provision of housing or access to housing based on membership in certain protected classes of persons or personal status: race, color, national origin or ethnicity, sex, religion, familial status, mental and physical disability and use of a service animal or guide dog by a disabled person. These classes and statuses are 'protected' by federal law. Washington State law codifies the federal protections and adds protection to creed and marital status. Pierce County also legally protects residents based on age.

Fair Housing Agencies of Washington State

Pierce County is committed to affirmatively further fair housing in our community by working to remove impediments to fair housing choice. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Planning Guide defines impediments to fair housing choice as:

Any actions, omissions, or decisions taken because of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, or any other arbitrary factor which restrict housing choices or the availability of housing choices; or

Any actions, omissions, or decisions which have the effect of restricting housing choices or the availability of housing choices on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, disability, marital status, familial status, or any other arbitrary factor.

Pierce County Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
The purpose of an Analysis of Impediments (AI) is to review conditions in the juridiction that may impact the ability of households to freely choose housing and to be treated without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, source of income, age, disability, or other protected status. The AI reviews the general state of fair housing, the enforcement of fair housing law, efforts to promote fair housing, access to credit for the purpose of housing, and general constraints to the availability of a full range of housing types.

HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) administers and enforces federal laws and establishes policies that make sure all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice. Learn more about FHEO.

Fair Housing Poster

Contact the Housing Discrimination Hotline by email, or at 1-800-669-9777 (Voice); 1-800-927-9275 (TTY).

National Fair Housing Alliance
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Washington DC, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is the only national organization dedicated solely to ending discrimination in housing. NFHA works to eliminate housing discrimination and to ensure equal housing opportunity for all people through leadership, education and outreach, membership services, public policy initiatives, advocacy and enforcement.

Fair Housing for Homebuyers and Renters


Fair Housing Partners of Washington

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Washington State Human Rights Commission - Enforces anti-discrimination laws throughout Washington.

King County Office of Civil Rights - Enforces anti-discrimination laws within unincorporated King County.

Seattle Office for Civil Rights - Enforces anti-discrimination laws within the city limits of Seattle.

Tacoma Human Rights and Human Services Department - Enforces anti-discrimination laws within the city limits of Tacoma.

Fair Housing Center of Washington - Advocates for renters and homebuyers in western Washington.

Northwest Fair Housing Alliance - Advocates for renters and homebuyers in eastern Washington.

Every day housing discrimination occurs in Washington State, and too often the victims of discrimination feel powerless to stop it. If you suspect that someone has treated you unfairly because of your race, color, the country you come from, or the language you speak, you should know about your rights. If you have searched for a home to rent or buy, and were turned away because you have children, because you have a disability or because you are gay, you should know that there are places to go for help.

The Fair Housing Partners of Washington State is a partnership of enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations. It is a resource of questions and concerns about your treatment in housing.

If you feel you are being treated unfairly, and suspect it is for discriminatory reasons, learn about your rights under the law. Find out how to protect yourself and your family.

The fair housing guide outlines your protections under state and local anti-discrimination laws and provides information about steps you can take to stop discrimination. View the guide in other languages.

Contact the Housing Discrimination Hotline by email, or at 1-800-669-9777 (Voice); 1-800-927-9275 (TTY).

Housing Resources


Pierce County Housing Programs provide access to safe, decent and affordable housing through rehabilitation, development, education, advocacy and referral.

Washington State Housing Finance Commission Homebuyer Programs help make homeownership possible for first-time, low- and moderate-income homebuyers across the state through down payment assistance, mortgage credit, counseling and education programs.

Fair Housing for Landlords and Building Managers


FAIR HOUSING: It's Good Business
Fair housing is not just the law - it's also good business practice. These guidelines offer common sense policies and practices to ensure you have a wide applicant pool for rental housing and that all tenants are treated equitably.

Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST
Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST is an initiative designed to promote compliance with the Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements. The program offers comprehensive and detailed instruction programs, useful online web resources, and a toll-free information line for technical guidance and support.