Are there any special laws protecting disabled individuals from discrimination in housing?
Yes, California has special laws in place to protect disabled individuals from discrimination in housing. These laws are part of the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Under the Unruh Act, it is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent or sell housing to someone because of their disability. The FEHA also makes it illegal to deny housing to someone based on their disability or to offer them a different living arrangement or service because of their disability. Additionally, disability-related accommodations must be made for disabled individuals when requested. This includes making reasonable changes to the home or common areas to make them more accessible, such as installing railing, widening doorways, and providing wheelchair ramps. Additionally, disabled individuals must be given the same amenities and services as any other tenant, including but not limited to access to elevators and other common areas. It is also illegal for a landlord to ask questions about a tenant’s disability as part of the rental application process or to change the terms of the rental agreement based on their disability. If a tenant believes they’ve been discriminated against based on their disability, they can file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or with a private attorney.
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