In other words, it asserts, landlords could be breaking the law when they refuse to rent to black ex-cons with long rap sheets — even if they have no intention of discriminating — because such a policy would likely have a disproportionate impact on them.So now landlords, real estate agents and property managers will think twice before turning away drug dealers and thieves, even rapists, who are members of this “protected class” — even though barring high-risk tenants serves a legitimate, nondiscriminatory purpose.This puts landlords in a terrible legal bind.To protect themselves from federal action, they would be wise to avoid even inquiring about the criminal records of prospective tenants.

I will take Penny's suggestions to type up the criteria and assert that along with applications.

He also asserts that I am unethical as I “aggressively seek out tenants with loud barking dogs” (perhaps 2 of my 5 tenants in a dozen years have had barking dogs).

These things often escalate for some reason, and one potential reason is that the tenant may be setting up for a tenant's assertion and purposefully making matters worse.

The landlord gave 30 days notice, the tenant asserted he was supposed to give 90 days notice.  

The RCW further states:The landlord is also barred in any action brought by the tenant to recover the deposit from asserting any claim or raising any defense for retaining any of the deposit unless the landlord shows that circumstances beyond the landlord's control prevented the landlord from providing the statement within the fourteen days or that the tenant abandoned the premises as defined in RCW 59.18.310.which is the case in my circumstance.

This is one of those times when you just have to say "no," and invoke the happy clause, because anyone who starts asserting that their landlord is responsible for birds pooping on their vehicle, will be a continual pain in the butt.Really.  

Don't be afraid to be assertive and demand high quality.

I don't want a hostile relationship with neighbor (s) - though I know asserting ones property rights can be a tad tricky, especially if the neighbors are accustomed to no one being there.

It is your property, you have to assert your rights as owner.