Everett Apartment Owner Accused Of Discrimination

Editor’s Update 4:00 PM: Today the King County Superior Court approved the settlement.
The Washington State Attorney General today announced a proposed settlement between the State and the owners of the Glacier View Apartments on Highway Place in Everett. Here are the details provided to MyEverettNews.com in a news release from the State Attorney General’s Office…

Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced an agreement with DSB Investments, Inc., the owner of the Glacier View Apartments in Everett, to enforce compliance with the Washington Law Against Discrimination and the Consumer Protection Act.  The agreement, called an Assurance of Discontinuance, was filed in King County Superior Court and is subject to the court’s approval.

Assurance Of Discontinuance

The Attorney General’s Office began an investigation after a tenant complained that the manager at Glacier View Apartments tows cars belonging to African American tenants but not white tenants.  The complaint also asserted that the manager retaliated against tenants who complained by withholding necessary repairs.

Under the Washington Law Against Discrimination, a landlord may not discriminate on the basis of race or color when enforcing rules such as a parking or towing policy.  Landlords are also prohibited from retaliating against tenants who exercise their civil rights.  Unfair business practices by housing providers can also violate the Consumer Protection Act.

Through the Assurance of Discontinuance, DSB Investments agrees not to discriminate on the basis of race or color and commits to implementing a non-discrimination policy and requiring all of its employees who work with tenants to attend fair housing training.  Under the terms of the agreement, DSB Investments must also reimburse a tenant for towing two cars and pay costs related to the Attorney General’s investigation.

“Washington law requires landlords to apply their policies equally to all tenants,” said Ferguson.  “I won’t tolerate discrimination in the first instance, nor allow landlords to punish residents for exercising their civil rights.”

Individuals who would like more information about civil rights, including the right to fair housing, are encouraged to visit www.atg.wa.gov/wing-luke-civil-rights-unit.  You may also contact the Attorney General’s Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit at 1-844-323-3864 or by email at civilrights@atg.wa.gov.