San Francisco, CA Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- Police Code 3304(a)(13)
- Source of income includes
- Section 8, VASH, county aid
- Civil penalty
- Up to $1,000
- Parallel state law
- SB 329 (2020)
Summary
San Francisco's Police Code Section 3304 bars landlords from refusing rental applicants because their income comes from Section 8, VASH, or other government subsidies. Refusing vouchers is treated as discrimination by the SF Human Rights Commission.
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 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 federal housing assistance vouchers issued under Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937.
Full Breakdown
Police Code Section 3304(a)(13), strengthened by Ordinance 4-20 in 2020 to align with state SB 329, defines source of income to include Section 8, HUD-VASH veterans vouchers, Shelter Plus Care, county subsidies, and emergency rental assistance. Landlords cannot post advertisements stating no Section 8, refuse applications based on subsidy use, or impose stricter income ratios on voucher holders. The SF Human Rights Commission accepts complaints, conducts paired tester investigations, and refers violators to administrative law judges. Remedies include damages, civil penalties up to $1,000, attorney's fees, and orders to rent the unit. The state SB 329 layer provides parallel protections enforceable through DFEH.
Violations & Fines
Refusing voucher applicants triggers HRC orders to rent, civil penalties to $1,000, damages, attorney's fees, and possible state DFEH action with additional fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can SF landlords advertise 'no Section 8' on Craigslist?
How do I file a Section 8 discrimination complaint in SF?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
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