Lakewood vs Santa Monica
How do source-of-income discrimination rules compare between Lakewood, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Lakewood and Santa Monica 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 →Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| State law | Cal. Gov. Code §12955 | Cal. Gov. Code §12955 |
| County code | LACO Title 8.42 | LACO Title 8.42 |
| Voucher protection | SB-329 (effective 2020) | SB-329 (effective 2020) |
| Income test | Apply to tenant share only | Apply to tenant share only |
| Enforcer | DCBA + state CRD | DCBA + state CRD |
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.
Santa Monica 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.
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