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.
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.
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.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles bans a long list of landlord harassment tactics under the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (TAHO). Civil penalties run from $2,000 to $10,000 per...
Los Angeles, CA
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) runs the Housing Choice Voucher program. Landlords sign a HUD lease addendum, pass an HQS inspection...
Los Angeles, CA
RSO units require just cause for eviction under LAMC 151.09. Permitted causes include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, nuisance, and owner move-in. No-f...
See how Los Angeles's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
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