Sacramento, CA Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- CA Gov §12955
- Effective
- January 1, 2020
- Income ratio applied to
- Tenant's portion only
- Enforcement
- CA Civil Rights Dept
- Advertising
- No 'No Section 8'
Summary
California Government Code 12955 bars Sacramento landlords from refusing applicants because they pay rent with Section 8 vouchers, VASH, or other lawful housing assistance, treating source of income as a protected category.
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, r
Full Breakdown
Since SB 329 took effect in 2020, source of income, including federal, state, or local housing-assistance payments such as Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and HUD-VASH, is a protected category under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code 12955). Sacramento landlords cannot refuse to rent, set differential terms, or use 'no Section 8' language in advertising. Landlords may still apply neutral screening criteria, including income-to-rent ratios calculated only against the tenant's portion of the rent (not the full contract rent), and verify application accuracy. The Civil Rights Department investigates complaints with potential damages and civil penalties.
Violations & Fines
Refusing voucher holders, advertising 'no Section 8', or applying ratios to the full contract rent can result in CRD complaints, damages, civil penalties, and attorney's fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I require 3x income for Section 8 tenants?
Where do tenants file complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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