RCW 49.60 (State of Washington's Law against discrimination) provides Mount Vernon residents substantially equivalent protections to those afforded by the federal Fair Housing Act. 

In addition to those protections defined in federal law, the State's law against discrimination also protects Mount Vernon residents from discrimination on account of marital status, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.

The following links provide valuable information with regard to fair housing issues.  Please note that many of the following publications are available in different languages; contact the Community & Economic Development Department for more information on what is available (360) 336-6214.

Disability Access Resources for Housing Providers>>

Domestic Violence and Your Housing Rights>>

Fair Housing Agencies in Washington State>>

Fair Housing for Real Estate Industry Professionals>>

Housing Discrimination and Your Civil Rights>>

Reasonable Accommodations Under the Fair Housing Act>>

Sample Policies Including:   Reasonable Accommodations for People with Disabilities, Service Animals, and Tenant on Tenant Harrassment

Top 100 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Property Owners and Managers>>

The Fair Housing Center of Washington:

The Fair Housing Center of Washington is a non-profit agency dedicated to ending illegal discrimination and enforcing the Fair Housing Act for residents of Western Washington.  Click on the following link for a brochure that contains additional information about the Fair Housing Center of Washington:  Fair Housing Center of Washington Brochure >> 

The Fair Housing Center concentrates on the following four (4) areas:

Complaint Investigation.  Intake of discrimination complaints, investigation, assistance with complaint process.

Advocacy.  Assistance to complaints through the discrimination complaint process.

Education.  Basic and tailored fair housing education for both consumers and providers of housing related services.

Information and Referral.  Current information on regional housing service providers, attorneys, and state, local or federal agencies.

If you believe that your housing rights have been violated, please contact for Fair Housing Center of Washington.  Their contact information follows:

Following are links to other web sites that provide information that may be helpful:

U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development:  www.hud.gov   WashingtonState Human Rights Commission:  www.hum.wa.gov   National Fair Housing Advocate:  www.fairhousing.com   National Fair Housing Alliance:  www.nationalfairhousing.org   Northwest Justice Project:  www.washingtonlawhelp.org