Moorpark, CA Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- Govt Code §12955 (SB 329)
- Voucher admin
- Ventura County AHA
- Income screen
- Tenant portion only
- Enforcement
- CA Civil Rights Dept
Summary
California Government Code §12955 makes it unlawful for Moorpark landlords to refuse rental to applicants because they pay with Section 8 vouchers or other lawful housing-assistance payments: source-of-income discrimination is a Fair Employment and Housing Act violation.
12955. 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 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1437f). "Source of income" includes a federal Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing voucher. For the purposes of this section, a housing owner or landlord is not considered a representative of a tenant unless the source of income is a federal Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing voucher. (2) For the purposes of this section, it shall not constitute discrimination based on source of income to make a written or oral inquiry concerning the level or source of income.
Full Breakdown
SB 329 (2019) expanded California's Fair Employment and Housing Act to include federal, state, and local housing-assistance vouchers in the definition of protected source of income. Landlords must accept voucher applications, allow Ventura County Area Housing Authority (AHA) inspections, and treat voucher holders the same as cash-paying applicants in screening criteria. Income-to-rent screening must use only the tenant's portion, not the full rent. Refusing applications, advertising 'no Section 8,' or steering voucher holders away can trigger Civil Rights Department complaints and damages.
Violations & Fines
Refusing voucher applicants, advertising 'no Section 8,' or applying inflated income standards triggers California Civil Rights Department complaints and civil damages under Government Code §12955.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Moorpark landlord refuse Section 8?
Who runs Section 8 in Moorpark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Moorpark
California rules heatmap·Compare Moorpark to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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