Human Rights
Under the law, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination at work, in housing, in a public accommodation, or when seeking credit and insurance. Any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against based on protected class status may file a charge of discrimination with the Office of Equity and Human Rights (OEHR).A discrimination charge in employment, public accommodation, credit and insurance must be filed with OEHR within six months from the date of the alleged violation, in order to protect your rights. A discrimination charge in housing must be filed with OEHR within one year from the date of the alleged violation.
Investigations
Fair Housing
The Fair Housing program receives, investigates, and resolves complaints of discrimination in housing transactions (rental, sales, lending, insurance, advertising) alleging violations of the Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 1.29 of the Official code of the City of Tacoma, as amended, and the federal Fair Housing Act.
Equal Employment and Public Accommodation Discrimination
This program enforces Chapter 1.29 of Tacoma’s law against discrimination by investigating complaints filed by individuals who believe they have been discriminated against due to a protected class in the areas of Public Accommodation and Equal Employment.
Landlord Tenant Program
The primary function of the Landlord-Tenant program is to provide information and referrals to both landlords and tenants to resolve disputes that arise under the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). This service is free and available to both property owners, property managers, and tenants within the Tacoma City limits.
Visit the Landlord-Tenant program web page for more information.
Crime Free Housing
The Tacoma Crime Free Housing Program (CFHP) is a public safety partnership that assists residents, owners and managers of rental properties in keeping drugs and other illegal activity off their property.
Visit the crime free housing web page for more information.
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission studies, investigates and mediates community issues that may result from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or disability.
Outreach and Education
The Human Rights Staff are committed to increasing compliance with anti-discrimination laws and empowering our community with tools needed to exercise their civil rights.
If you or your organization would like our staff members to provide education and training in the areas of employment, fair housing, and landlord tenant laws, contact the Office of Equity and Human Rights at (253) 591-5849 or via email.