At The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc., our tenant discrimination lawyers help California renters who are denied housing, treated differently, or pushed out because of who they are. Housing discrimination is illegal under federal, California, and many local laws, yet it often hides behind excuses. We hold landlords accountable and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Housing discrimination happens when a landlord treats you differently because of a protected characteristic. It is often disguised behind other reasons, but the impact is the same: exclusion, unfair treatment, and fear of losing your home. Our tenant discrimination lawyers handle cases involving:
Discrimination does not stop at the lease signing. It can show up as unwarranted eviction notices, unequal access to facilities, failure to provide necessary repairs, or harassment meant to make you leave.
California tenants are protected by some of the strongest fair housing laws in the country:
Many cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, add local protections and enhanced penalties against landlords who discriminate.
If a landlord discriminated against you, California law allows you to seek meaningful compensation and real change. Depending on your case, you may recover:
At The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc., we believe that everyone deserves to live free from discrimination. Our dedicated team is committed to fighting for the rights of tenants, challenging discriminatory practices, and securing justice for those we represent. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and the fear of potential retaliation, which is why we approach each case with confidentiality, empathy, and a commitment to upholding your rights.
Facing discrimination can be an isolating experience, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly or discriminated against, reach out to us. Together, we can explore your situation, your rights, and the potential remedies available to you. Let The Law Firm For Tenant Rights, Inc. be your ally in the fight against tenant discrimination, working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served and your dignity is upheld.
Tenant discrimination is when a landlord refuses to rent, sets different terms, or treats you unfairly because of a protected characteristic like race, disability, or source of income. It is illegal under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and federal fair housing law.
FEHA protects race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, disability, veteran or military status, and genetic information. Some cities add even more protections.
No. Since January 1, 2020, California law treats Section 8 and other housing assistance as a protected source of income, so a landlord cannot reject you for using a voucher.
Usually yes. If you have a disability, a landlord must generally make a reasonable accommodation for a support or service animal, even in a no-pets building, with only limited exceptions.
You may recover actual damages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. A court can also order the landlord to stop the discriminatory practice.
You generally have one year to file a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department or HUD. Lawsuits have separate deadlines, often two years, so speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
No. California law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report discrimination or file a fair housing complaint, and retaliation can lead to additional damages.
