Los Angeles, CA Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- Cal. Gov. Code §12955(a),(o)
- Local code
- LAMC §49.97
- Enforced by
- CRD and LAHD
- Effective statewide
- January 1, 2020 (SB-329)
- Income test
- Tenant share only
Summary
California Government Code §12955 and Los Angeles housing law prohibit landlords from refusing tenants because their rent comes from a Section 8 voucher, SSI, veterans benefits, or other lawful source. The Civil Rights Department and LAHD enforce.
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, source of income, disability, veteran or military status, or genetic information or an intention to make that preference, limitation, or discrimination.
(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 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1437f). “Source of income” includes a federal Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing voucher.
Full Breakdown
Government Code §12955(a) and (o), part of the Fair Employment and Housing Act, define source of income broadly to include federal, state, and local housing assistance such as Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers, VASH, and emergency rental aid. Landlords may not advertise no-Section-8, refuse to apply rent calculations using vouchers, or impose higher income screens that effectively exclude voucher holders. LAMC §49.97 layers a local prohibition with LAHD enforcement. Income must be evaluated on the tenant-paid portion only, not full contract rent, mirroring HUD guidance. Violations are investigated by the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH) and may result in administrative orders, damages, and civil penalties.
Violations & Fines
Refusing applicants over Section 8 status, advertising no-vouchers, or applying inflated income tests can produce CRD damages, civil penalties, attorney fees, and city LAHD citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord still require 2.5x or 3x income?
Where do I file a complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Source-of-Income Discrimination in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle source-of-income discrimination.