University Place, WA — Washington’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson has initiated a civil rights lawsuit against the Sunset Ridge Apartments in University Place, alleging discrimination against disabled applicants who rely on housing assistance benefits. This legal action, filed on August 15 in Pierce County Superior Court, focuses on violations of multiple state laws designed to protect renters.
According to Ferguson’s office, Sunset Ridge advertises itself as providing “equal opportunity housing for all people.” However, an investigation led by the Attorney General’s Wing Luke Civil Rights Division uncovered that the apartment complex has a policy of not accepting applications from prospective tenants with disabilities who use benefits to aid in covering housing expenses.
The lawsuit contends that Sunset Ridge’s practices infringe upon the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, which was amended in 2018 to specifically prohibit landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their source of income. The amendment aims to ensure that all qualified renters, regardless of whether they utilize benefit programs, such as subsidies for disabilities, are given equal opportunity to secure housing.
Furthermore, the Washington Law Against Discrimination is cited in the lawsuit, pointing out that the refusal to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities constitutes a discriminatory housing practice. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Sunset Ridge’s actions violate the Consumer Protection Act, which forbids unfair or deceptive business practices.
In the face of the state’s escalating affordable housing crisis, such discriminatory practices become especially problematic. “Individuals and families who need help keeping a roof over their heads should not face discrimination for using programs made for that purpose,” Ferguson stated, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.
The case brought by Ferguson’s office seeks to compel Sunset Ridge to cease discriminatory practices against applicants with disabilities or those using subsidy programs for housing costs. The complex could face substantial financial penalties, including up to $12,500 for each violation of the Consumer Protection Act, and additional liabilities under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act totaling up to 4.5 times the monthly rent rejected per case.
The investigation into Sunset Ridge began in April 2023 following a complaint by Clarvida, formerly known as Pathways of Washington. This community-based organization reported difficulties while trying to assist a client in applying for an apartment at the complex. They encountered resistance from apartment management when attempting to cover initial rental costs on behalf of the client. Even proposals for immediate electronic payments were refused, with the complex insisting on a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order directly from the tenant.
In a further probe, an investigator from the Attorney General’s Office posed as a Medicaid beneficiary inquiring about accommodations for disability-related payment methods at Sunset Ridge. The investigator’s requests were twice denied, reinforcing the allegations of discriminatory policies.
Assistant Attorney General Anthony Thach, Investigator Jennifer Sievert, and Paralegal Tiffany Jennings of the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division have been assigned to lead the prosecution of this case.
The Wing Luke Civil Rights Division was established by Ferguson in 2015, aiming to enforce state and federal anti-discrimination laws, a move reflective of Washington’s commitment to uphold civil rights for all its residents. The division is named after Wing Luke, a trailblazing figure in local government who was the first person of color elected to the Seattle City Council and the first Asian American to hold elected office in the Pacific Northwest.