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.
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.
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.
Fresno, CA
Fresno Housing Authority administers federal Section 8 housing-choice vouchers in Fresno. Landlords accepting vouchers enter a Housing Assistance Payments co...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a local just-cause eviction ordinance, but the statewide AB 1482 provides just-cause eviction protections for tenants who have occupied ...
See how Fresno's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
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