59.18.570 - Victim protection--Definitions.

Victim protection — Definitions.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this section and RCW 59.18.575 through 59.18.585 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

     (1) "Credit reporting agency" has the same meaning as set forth in RCW 19.182.010(5).

     (2) "Domestic violence" has the same meaning as set forth in RCW 26.50.010.

     (3) "Household member" means a child or adult residing with the tenant other than the perpetrator of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

     (4) "Landlord" has the same meaning as in RCW 59.l8.030 and includes the landlord's employees.

     (5) "Qualified third party" means any of the following people acting in their official capacity:

     (a) Law enforcement officers;

     (b) Persons subject to the provisions of chapter 18.120 RCW;

     (c) Employees of a court of the state;

     (d) Licensed mental health professionals or other licensed counselors;

     (e) Employees of crime victim/witness programs as defined in RCW 7.69.020 who are trained advocates for the program; and

     (f) Members of the clergy as defined in RCW 26.44.020.

     (6) "Sexual assault" has the same meaning as set forth in RCW 70.125.030.

     (7) "Stalking" has the same meaning as set forth in RCW 9A.46.110.

     (8) "Tenant screening service provider" means any nongovernmental agency that provides, for a fee, background information on prospective tenants to landlords.

     (9) "Unlawful harassment" has the same meaning as in RCW 10.14.020 and also includes any request for sexual favors to a tenant or household member in return for a change in or performance of any or all terms of a lease or rental agreement.

[2009 c 395 § 1; 2004 c 17 § 2.]

Notes: Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).

Findings -- Intent--2004 c 17: "The legislature finds and declares that:

     (1) Domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are widespread societal problems that have devastating effects for individual victims, their children, and their communities. Victims of violence may be forced to remain in unsafe situations because they are bound by residential lease agreements. The legislature finds that the inability of victims to terminate their rental agreements hinders or prevents victims from being able to safely flee domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The legislature further finds that victims of these crimes who do not have access to safe housing are more likely to remain in or return to abusive or dangerous situations. Also, the legislature finds that victims of these crimes are further victimized when they are unable to obtain or retain rental housing due to their history as a victim of these crimes. The legislature further finds that evidence that a prospective tenant has been a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking is not relevant to the decision whether to rent to that prospective tenant.

     (2) By this act, the legislature intends to increase safety for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by removing barriers to safety and offering protection against discrimination." [2004 c 17 § 1.]

Effective date -- 2004 c 17: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 15, 2004]." [2004 c 17 § 7.]