Anaheim, CA Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- Govt Code 12955
- Protected
- Section 8, SSI, etc.
- Enforcer
- CA Civil Rights Dept
- Local layer
- State-only
Summary
California Government Code Section 12955 prohibits Anaheim landlords from refusing to rent to tenants because of their lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Social Security, and other public assistance.
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. (c) For any person to make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a housing accommodation that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on 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 [...]
Full Breakdown
California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, codified at Government Code Section 12955, makes lawful source of income a protected category in housing. Anaheim landlords cannot refuse applicants, set different terms, or advertise no-Section-8 because of how the rent is paid. The law covers Housing Choice Vouchers, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, Social Security, SSI, child support, and similar verifiable income streams. Landlords may still apply neutral screening criteria like credit checks, prior tenancy verification, and income-to-rent ratios calculated on the tenant's portion. The Civil Rights Department investigates complaints and can pursue damages, fines, and injunctive relief. Anaheim defers to state enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Refusing to rent based on Section 8, SSI, or other lawful income violates Government Code 12955 and can lead to state damages and injunctive relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Anaheim landlord refuse my Section 8 voucher?
Where do I report source-of-income discrimination?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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