Differences Between Federal & State Fair Housing Laws

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Protection and remedies from illegal housing discrimination differ between Federal and California state laws.

 

Type of Discrimination Covered by California Fair Housing Laws Covered by United States (Federal) Fair Housing Laws
Age (40 and over) Yes Yes (Limited)
Ancestry Yes No
Color Yes Yes
Creed Yes No
Disability or Handicap (mental and physical) including HIV/AIDS Yes Yes
Families with Children Yes Yes
Gender Identity Yes No
Marital Status Yes Yes
Medical Condition Yes No
National Origin Yes Yes
Race Yes Yes
Religion Yes Yes
Sex Yes Yes
Sexual orientation Yes No
Source of Income/occupation Yes No
Other arbitrary discrimination Yes No

 

California Fair Housing Laws are investigated and enforced by the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). To report illegal housing discrimination under California statutes, please refer to DFEH Housing Discrimination Forms.

United States (Federal) Fair Housing Laws are investigated and enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To report illegal housing discrimination under Federal laws, please refer to the HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.

Federal Fair Housing Laws prohibit discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on:
  • Race
  • Color
  • National Original
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Familial Status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents of legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18)
  • Handicap (disability)
More information regarding Federal Fair Housing Laws.