Are landlords allowed to discriminate against individuals who receive public assistance in violation of Fair Housing Law?

No, landlords in California are not allowed to discriminate against individuals who receive public assistance in violation of Fair Housing Law. The law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to someone or charging a different rental rate to someone just because they receive public assistance, such as Section 8 vouchers, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). It also prohibits them from treating tenants unequally due to their source of income. For example, landlords cannot set different rules for tenants who receive public assistance than those who don’t. They are required to treat all tenants fairly and equally. Violations of Fair Housing Law can carry significant penalties, such as steep fines or even criminal penalties. In addition, landlords can be held liable for any costs in which the tenants have been harmed due to their discriminatory actions. For example, a landlord who is found to have discriminated against someone who receives public assistance may be required to pay the tenant’s legal fees, assessments, and even damages, such as emotional distress. In short, it is a violation of Fair Housing Law for a landlord in California to discriminate against an individual on the basis of their source of income, such as public assistance. Landlords who violate the law face serious penalties and may be liable for costs associated with the discrimination.

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