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.
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.
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.
Sacramento, CA
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See how Sacramento's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
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