Housing Testing Program
History of the Testing Program
The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) has been testing for over a decade, working with non-profit housing advocacy organizations to conduct fair housing tests. In 2017, we designed our own in-house civil rights testing program to address discriminatory practices in both housing and employment. We work in partnership with community organizations to identify barriers to housing and monitor compliance with Seattle’s anti-discrimination laws. With the tools provided by the testing program, we can stretch beyond the limits of a complaint-based system and proactively identify and combat discrimination.
Why We Use Testing
Testing is a method used to research in “secret shopper” or undercover scenarios to reveal facts or behaviors that would otherwise be difficult to see. The testing program strives to find and address bias and discriminatory practices in housing and employment in partnership with community organizations and through the work of trained testers. Testing can show subtle discriminatory practices that are difficult to report. With this information, we work with housing providers to provide resources, training, and other help to bring them into compliance with our laws.
Testing Outcomes & Enforcement
In 2022, the testing program conducted 421 fair housing tests. These tests focused on:
- The use of criminal records/criminal history under Seattle’s Fair Chance Housing and Eviction Ordinance.
- Disability (including policies regarding service animals).
- Both areas together.
Using compliance and technical assistance letters, we were able to provide guidance around compliance, as well as opportunities for additional resources and training.
Reports
- 2017 Testing Program Report
- 2018 Testing Program Report
- 2019-2021 Testing Program Report
- Our 2019 and 2020 testing data can be found on page 4.
- 2021 testing data can be found on page 7.
- The Great Service Divide: Occupational Segregation, Inequity, and the Promise of a Living Wage in the Seattle Restaurant Industry (ROC United, 2020)
- This joint report by Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC United) and Restaurant Opportunities Center of Seattle, in partnership with SOCR, examines hiring practices in Seattle restaurants.
- ROC United video: Honoring Seattle "High Road' Restaurant Owners (2021)
- Watch ROC United, in partnership with the Seattle Office for Civil Rights, pay tribute to Seattle-based ‘high road’ restaurant owners.