Lakewood vs Long Beach
How do source-of-income discrimination rules compare between Lakewood, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Lakewood and Long Beach have similar restriction levels.
Lakewood, CA
Los Angeles County
California Government Code §12955 bans housing discrimination based on a tenant's lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers and other rental subsidies. LA County Title 8.42 mirrors and extends the protection in unincorporated areas via DCBA.
View full Lakewood rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
California Government Code section 12955 prohibits Long Beach landlords from refusing to rent based on lawful source of income including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, treating voucher payments as part of the tenant's income for screening purposes.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| State law | Cal. Gov. Code §12955 | - |
| County code | LACO Title 8.42 | - |
| Voucher protection | SB-329 (effective 2020) | - |
| Income test | Apply to tenant share only | - |
| Enforcer | DCBA + state CRD | CA Civil Rights Department |
| Code | - | Cal. Gov. Code 12955 |
| Effective | - | January 1, 2020 |
| Covered | - | Section 8 vouchers |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 by saying "no vouchers"?
No. Both state law and LA County Title 8.42 prohibit refusing rental, advertising "no Section 8," or applying different terms because of lawful subsidy income. Doing so triggers a discrimination complaint.
How is income screening allowed to work?
Landlords applying a multiple-of-rent income standard must measure the tenant's share, not the full rent. Standard credit, criminal-history, and reference screens remain permitted within fair-housing limits.
Long Beach FAQ
Can a landlord still screen voucher tenants?
Yes, on credit, references, and rental history, but income tests must include the voucher amount and screening rules cannot be designed to exclude voucher holders categorically.
Where do I report no-voucher ads?
File with the California Civil Rights Department, which enforces Government Code 12955 statewide and can investigate Long Beach listings that refuse Section 8 applicants.
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