Does Bakersfield, CA have its own source-of-income discrimination ordinance?

No. Bakersfield, CA does not appear to have a local source-of-income discrimination ordinance, California state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Bakersfield Municipal Code.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Authority: Govt Code 12955
Effective: January 2020
Covers: Vouchers, VASH, subsidies
Enforcement: CA Civil Rights Department

Summary

Bakersfield landlords cannot refuse to rent based on a tenant's lawful source of income, including Section 8 housing vouchers, under California's amended Fair Employment and Housing Act since 2020.

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.

Source: Bakersfield Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

California Government Code 12955 protects renters from discrimination based on source of income, expanded in 2020 to include federal, state, and local housing subsidies such as Housing Choice Vouchers. Bakersfield landlords must therefore consider applicants holding Section 8 vouchers using the same screening criteria applied to non-voucher applicants, and may not advertise no Section 8 or refuse to participate in the voucher program. Income calculations must add the voucher subsidy to the tenant's portion before applying any rent-to-income ratio. Bakersfield has not added a local ordinance, but the state law applies in full and is enforced by the California Civil Rights Department.

Violations & Fines

Posting no-voucher ads, refusing to inspect for the housing authority, or applying higher income ratios to subsidized applicants can result in damages, civil penalties, and Civil Rights Department orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Bakersfield landlord still require minimum income?

Yes, but the voucher subsidy must be added to the applicant's income before applying the ratio, typically computed against only the tenant-paid share of rent.

How do I report Section 8 discrimination?

File a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department within one year. Tenants may also pursue civil claims for damages and statutory penalties.

Sources & Official References

[1]California Government Code 12955

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All Bakersfield rules

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