Are there any restrictions on types of questions a landlord can ask tenants in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Yes, there are restrictions on the types of questions a landlord can ask tenants in accordance with Fair Housing Law in California. Federal and state laws prohibit landlords from discriminating against any type of tenant, including those who are members of protected classes. As such, landlords cannot ask tenants questions that are discriminatory in nature or that might imply discrimination. Specifically, landlords are prohibited from asking questions about a tenant’s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, age, and disability. Landlords also cannot ask questions that invade a tenant’s privacy, such as questions regarding sexual orientation, political affiliation, or marital status. Additionally, landlords are not allowed to ask questions that could be used to discriminate against tenants who are elderly or have disabilities, such as questions about whether the tenant has a service animal or needs special assistance. Questions about a tenant’s criminal history can only be asked if the landlord requires all tenants to provide this information. In addition, if landlords wish to perform a credit check on the tenant, they must obtain the tenant’s written permission before doing so. Furthermore, landlords are not allowed to ask tenants questions about their occupation, income, or personal finances unless the landlord requires all tenants to provide this information in order to qualify for tenancy. Overall, landlords in California are prohibited from asking tenants questions that can be used to discriminate against any protected class of people.
Related FAQs
Are landlords required to provide certain services and amenities to tenants in accordance with Fair Housing Law?Are landlords allowed to evict tenants based on race under Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to refuse to rent to people with disabilities in violation of Fair Housing Law?
Are there any limitations on the amount of rent a landlord can charge in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to deny housing to victims of domestic violence under Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to set different rental rates for different tenants in violation of Fair Housing Law?
Are there any restrictions on types of questions a landlord can ask tenants in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Are there any special rights or protections for individuals with disabilities under Fair Housing Law?
Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone due to their religion under Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to refuse to rent to same-sex couples under Fair Housing Law?
Related Blog Posts
What is Fair Housing Law and How Does it Impact Home Ownership? - July 31, 2023Understanding Your Rights Under Fair Housing Laws - August 7, 2023
Learn How to Protect Yourself from Housing Discrimination Under Fair Housing Law - August 14, 2023
What is Covered Under the Fair Housing Act and How Does it Affect Landlords? - August 21, 2023
Navigating the Complicated Rules and Regulations of Fair Housing Law - August 28, 2023