California’s FEHA: Broader Than Federal Law
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides housing discrimination protections that go significantly beyond the federal Fair Housing Act. While federal law covers 7 protected classes, California’s FEHA covers more than 15 — including protections you will not find anywhere else in the country.
All Protected Classes Under California FEHA
- Race, color, and national origin
- Ancestry
- Religion
- Sex and gender
- Gender identity and gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Physical and mental disability
- Familial status (having children under 18)
- Marital status
- Source of income (Section 8, housing vouchers, rental assistance)
- Military and veteran status
- Immigration status
- Primary language
- Age (40+)
- Pregnancy and childbirth-related conditions
Source of Income Discrimination — Section 8 Vouchers
Since 2020, California law explicitly prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to tenants who use government rental assistance — including Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers, VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing), and local rental assistance programs. Advertising “No Section 8” is illegal. Landlords who refuse your voucher can be reported to the California Civil Rights Department and sued for damages.
Disability Accommodations and Modifications
Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including:
- Allowing service animals and emotional support animals (even in no-pet buildings)
- Permitting physical modifications to the unit at the tenant’s expense
- Adjusting lease terms or unit assignments as needed
- Providing accessible parking spaces
Landlords cannot charge additional fees for service animals or emotional support animals. They may request documentation of the disability and need for accommodation.
How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint
- Document everything: Save all communications, note dates and witness names, keep copies of rental applications and denial letters
- File with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD): Free. Visit calcivilrights.ca.gov. Deadline: 2 years from the discriminatory act
- File with HUD: Federal Fair Housing Act complaints. Free. Visit hud.gov/fairhousing. Deadline: 1 year
- Contact a local fair housing agency: Many offer free investigation and legal referrals
- Sue civilly: For actual damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief (including being awarded the tenancy), and attorney fees