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Anaheim, CA Rental Property Rules: Section 8 Voucher Acceptance (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Local PHA
Anaheim Housing Authority
Program
HUD HCV / Section 8
Refusal status
Unlawful
Inspection standard
HUD HQS

Summary

The Anaheim Housing Authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers, and California Government Code Section 12955 forbids Anaheim landlords from refusing applicants because they pay rent with a Section 8 voucher.

12955. It shall be unlawful: (a) For the owner of any housing accommodation to discriminate against or harass any person because of the race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, disability, veteran or military status, or genetic information of that person. (b) For the owner of any housing accommodation to make or to cause to be made any written or oral inquiry concerning the race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, disability, veteran or military status, or genetic information of any person seeking to purchase, rent, or lease any housing accommodation.

Source: Anaheim Housing AuthorityView official code

Full Breakdown

Anaheim Housing Authority is the local Public Housing Authority administering the federal Housing Choice Voucher program for the city. Tenants holding vouchers find units in the private market; landlords contract with the Authority and accept HUD inspections and a Housing Assistance Payment contract. California treats source of income as a protected class under Government Code 12955, so blanket no-Section-8 advertising or screening policies are unlawful. Landlords retain the right to apply income, credit, and rental-history standards to the tenant's portion of rent. Voucher holders cluster in family and senior properties across Anaheim and OC, and inspections must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards.

Violations & Fines

Blanket refusals to consider Section 8 applicants violate Government Code 12955 and may also breach federal voucher program rules where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers Section 8 in Anaheim?
The Anaheim Housing Authority administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher program for the city, contracting with private landlords and conducting HUD-required inspections of participating units.
Can a landlord set a higher income standard for voucher holders?
Generally no. Income tests must be applied to the tenant's portion of rent under California source-of-income law, not the full contract rent including the housing authority subsidy.

Sources & Official References

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