Fair Housing Update: October 2006

Washington State
FAIR HOUSING UPDATE

Volume 11, Issue 3

October 2006

Browse other issues | New Resources | Upcoming Events | About This Publication

Articles in this issue

McClarty v. Totem Electric
In July 2006, the Supreme Court of the State of Washington adopted the Americans with Disabilities Act definition of disability in McClarty v. Totem Electric.

Washington State Human Rights Commission Opens Vancouver Office
On Friday, September 8, 2006, the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) held an open house celebrating its new satellite office in Vancouver, WA. The newly opened office is located at the Washington School for the Deaf, in Room #108A of the Epperson Building, 611 Grand Blvd.

Protected Classes R Us
The Seattle Office for Civil Rights recently settled a housing case of harassment based on sexual orientation. What was unusual was the person filing the charge: a heterosexual man, who alleged that maintenance workers and other tenants repeatedly hurled anti-gay slurs at him, which the building's manager did nothing to stop.

City of Tacoma offers Free Fair Housing Training!
Tacoma Human Rights and Human Services Department is providing quarterly Basic Fair Housing training.

Fair Housing Questions & Answers Column

Can Ann Banks advertise her rental complex like this? "Two-bedroom apartment available Nov. 1. Large complex has exercise room, pool, clubhouse, chapel."
Mr. Alexander, who has difficulty walking, uses a motorized scooter for mobility. His complex has a policy prohibiting the use of motorized vehicles anywhere on the premises. Is it reasonable to permit Mr. Alexander to use his scooter?
Resident Bobbie Lane recently told management that he intends to "transition" from male to female. Now he's shaving his legs, wearing dresses and makeup, and talking in a high voice. When a few other residents expressed concern about Lane, what actions should management take?
When African American applicant James Johnson saw a promising rental, he left several phone messages, but never got a call back. When James asked his white friend Joseph to call, the manager immediately called Joseph back and invited him to view the available unit. Was this discriminatory?

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ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION

The Washington State Fair Housing Update is a quarterly publication of Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) Agencies and non-profit fair housing organizations. For more information, contact us:

U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development
206-220-5170 / 1-800-877-0246 / TTY 206-220-5185 / Website: www.hud.gov/offices/fheo

Washington State Human Rights Commission
360-753-6770 / 1-800-233-3247 / TTY 1-800-300-7525 / Website: www.hum.wa.gov

King County Office of Civil Rights
206-296-7592 / TTY 206-296-7596 / Website: www.metrokc.gov/dias/ocre

Seattle Office for Civil Rights
206-684-4500 / TTY 206-684-4503 / Website: www.cityofseattle.net/civilrights

Tacoma Human Rights & Human Services Department
253-591-5151 / TTY 253-591-5153 / Website: www.cityoftacoma.org/HRHS

Fair Housing Center of Washington
253-274-9523 / 1-888-766-8800 / TTY 253-274-9523 / Website: www.fhcwashington.org

Northwest Fair Housing Alliance (Spokane)
509-325-2665 / 1-800-200-FAIR (3247) / Website: www.nwfairhouse.org

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Updated: Oct. 20, 2006