California SB 329 makes refusing Section 8 housing vouchers source-of-income discrimination. Twain Harte landlords cannot reject HUD-VASH or Housing Choice voucher applicants solely because of voucher use.
Government Code 12955 amended by SB 329 (2019) added housing-assistance vouchers to the Fair Employment and Housing Act's protected income definition. Twain Harte landlords participating in the rental market must accept voucher applicants, count voucher payments as income, and apply uniform screening criteria such as credit and rental history. Income-to-rent ratios must be calculated against the tenant-paid portion only. Tuolumne County HRA administers vouchers locally. Refusing to consider a voucher, advertising 'no Section 8,' or imposing voucher-only barriers violates state fair-housing law.
California Civil Rights Department can investigate, order back rent and damages, impose civil penalties, and award tenant attorney fees for source-of-income discrimination.
See how Twain Harte's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
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