Washington AG's Sweep Uncovers Alleged Discrimination Against Vets

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson recently announced the completion of a sweep to crack down on illegal housing discrimination against veterans with disabilities. In Washington, state law prohibits housing practices that discriminate on the basis of disability or veteran status.

The investigation, which dates back to 2016, allegedly uncovered property management companies around the state that were improperly rejecting Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers. VASH is a joint program between HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The program offers housing vouchers combined with VA support services for veterans who have a disability, including a serious mental illness, a history of substance abuse disorder, or a physical disability.

As a result of the investigation, eight companies agreed to settlements, which required them to end allegedly discriminatory practices and consider VASH vouchers as payment.

“Veterans are protected from discrimination by Washington law,” Ferguson said in a statement. “No veteran should be denied a roof over their head based on how they plan to pay their rent.”