Source of income & Section 8 vouchers

Plain language

Since 2020, 'source of income' is a protected class in California. A landlord generally cannot refuse to rent to someone just because they would pay with a Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher or other lawful, verifiable income.

Statute text

SB 329 expanded FEHA's definition of 'source of income' to include federal, state, and local housing subsidies such as Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Landlords may not advertise 'no Section 8,' refuse to accept vouchers, or treat voucher holders less favorably. Landlords may still apply lawful, consistently-applied screening criteria (e.g., income relative to the tenant-paid portion of rent), but a blanket refusal of voucher holders is unlawful.

Source