Housing Services for Individuals, Renters, and Households

People who rent or lease a dwelling to live in (such as an apartment or house) are called ‘tenants’. There are federal, state, and local laws that protect tenants from housing discrimination. These laws are called ‘fair housing’ laws that protect people from discrimination in housing based on a person’s ancestry, disability and use of a service animal, gender, parental status, marital status, religion, participation in Section 8 voucher program or other similar government housing subsidy programs, sexual orientation (includes gender identity), and age. 

Tenants with disabilities

If you are a tenant with a disability, you are entitled to reasonable modifications and accommodations to housing. Modifications are generally at the expense of the tenant and with the permission of the landlord. The landlord cannot unreasonably withhold permission but can require restoration to the original condition. Tenants can apply for financial assistance for modifications through the King County Housing Repair program.