Fresno, CA Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected statewide since
- January 1, 2020
- Statute
- California SB 329
- Enforcement agency
- California Civil Rights Department
- Includes
- Section 8 vouchers, VASH, subsidies
Summary
California Government Code prohibits Fresno landlords from refusing tenants because they pay rent with Section 8 vouchers or other lawful subsidies. Source of income is a protected characteristic under state fair-housing law.
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... (p)(1) For the purposes of this section, "source of income" means lawful, verifiable income paid directly to a tenant, or to a representative of a tenant, or paid to a housing owner or landlord on behalf of a tenant, including federal, state, or local public assistance, and federal, state, or local housing subsidies, including, but not limited to, federal housing assistance vouchers issued under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.
Full Breakdown
California Senate Bill 329 added source of income, including federal housing-choice vouchers, to the list of protected classes under the Fair Employment and Housing Act. Fresno landlords may not advertise no-Section-8 policies, refuse to consider voucher holders, or impose differential rental criteria on subsidized applicants. Landlords may still apply neutral screening standards such as income-to-rent ratios, but the calculation must consider the voucher payment as part of the tenant's income. The Civil Rights Department investigates complaints, and damages can include the rental loss, emotional distress, and statutory penalties. Local nonprofits and the Fresno Housing Authority assist tenants asserting these rights.
Violations & Fines
Refusing voucher tenants, advertising no-subsidy preferences, or applying different screening standards based on source of income subjects Fresno landlords to civil-rights complaints, civil damages, and statutory penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Fresno landlord refuse my Section 8 voucher?
How are landlord income requirements applied?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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