California Fair Housing: Protected Classes and Source of Income

What it requires

• Don’t refuse, steer, or set different terms because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, disability, veteran or military status, or genetic information.
• Ads can’t state or imply a preference or limitation, such as “no Section 8.” Asking about the level or source of income is allowed.
• Source of income means lawful, verifiable income paid to the tenant or to you on the tenant’s behalf, including Section 8 and HUD-VASH vouchers.
• With a government rent subsidy, apply income standards only to the tenant’s share, and if you check credit, let the applicant offer other proof of ability to pay, such as benefit, pay, or bank records, and consider it.
• Since 2025, discrimination based on a combination of protected traits is covered (SB 1137), and race includes traits such as hair texture and protective hairstyles (AB 1815).

Owner checklist

• Written screening criteria applied to every applicant
• No “no Section 8” language in ads
• Voucher applicants judged on their share of rent
• Alternative-evidence option offered when credit is checked