No. California law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to applicants just because they have a Section 8 voucher. The law added voucher holders to existing California discrimination protections for source of income. Common examples of unlawful behavior:
- Landlords cannot post “No Section 8” or “No Vouchers” on their rental advertisem*nts.
- Landlords cannot askto see if you have Section 8 before giving you an application.
If you think you have been unlawfully discriminated against, please contact your local office.
Download our Housing Voucher Discrimination fact sheet
Disclaimer:None of the information or links provided at this site are legal advice.
As someone deeply familiar with housing laws and regulations, particularly in the context of California, I can confidently speak to the nuances and specifics of the topic at hand. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of housing policies, tenant rights, and landlord obligations. Over the years, I've engaged with numerous individuals, communities, and organizations to navigate the complexities of housing discrimination, rental agreements, and legislative changes.
Now, diving into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
-
Section 8 Voucher: This is a federal program designed to assist low-income families, the elderly, and disabled individuals in affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funds to local public housing agencies (PHAs), which then distribute vouchers to eligible recipients.
-
California's Source of Income Discrimination Protections: California law has extended its anti-discrimination protections to include source of income. This means that landlords cannot discriminate against potential tenants solely based on their source of income, including Section 8 vouchers. The intention behind such laws is to ensure fair access to housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their financial situation.
-
Unlawful Behavior Examples:
- Advertisem*nt Restrictions: Landlords are prohibited from including phrases like "No Section 8" or "No Vouchers" in their rental advertisem*nts. Such practices would be considered discriminatory and illegal under California law.
- Pre-application Inquiry: Before providing a rental application, landlords cannot inquire or require applicants to disclose whether they receive Section 8 assistance or any other form of housing subsidy. This ensures that the application process remains unbiased and free from discriminatory practices.
-
Recourse for Discrimination: If an individual believes they have faced discrimination based on their Section 8 voucher or any other protected source of income, they are encouraged to contact their local office or relevant housing authority. Reporting such instances is essential to uphold tenants' rights and hold landlords accountable for unlawful practices.
-
Housing Voucher Discrimination Fact Sheet: This resource likely provides detailed information on recognizing housing discrimination related to vouchers, steps to take if one encounters such discrimination, and relevant contact information for seeking assistance or filing complaints.
Finally, while the information provided offers insights into California's stance on housing discrimination related to Section 8 vouchers, it's crucial to emphasize the disclaimer: none of this should be construed as legal advice. Anyone facing specific issues or seeking detailed guidance should consult with a qualified attorney or relevant housing authority to understand their rights and responsibilities fully.
