 Fair Housing Q&A
Foreclosure Prevention
5 Steps to Homeownership
Fair Housing Q&A for New Immigrants
 How do fair housing laws affect me, as a new immigrant?
Fair housing laws protect your rights to equal housing opportunity. For new immigrants, it is important to know that you cannot be discriminated against in housing based on your national origin (nationality or ethnicity). In fact, fair housing laws protect everyone from discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender, disability (physical and mental), and presence of children in the family (under 18). It is illegal for a housing provider to deny you housing or treat you differently based on one of those reasons, under the Federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Housing Law. It is also prohibits discrimination based on elderliness (55 and older).
How do fair housing laws protect me?
A landlord or housing provider cannot - based on your race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender, disability, presence of children in the family, or elderliness - refuse you housing (rental or sales) or evicted you; cannot charge you more or treat you differently; cannot limit your housing choices to certain buildings or floors or units; cannot deny you privileges or services (maintenance, use of laundry room, etc.); cannot make discriminatory statements; and cannot harass you. The laws cover most housing, including houses, apartments, mobile homes, and public housing. It is also illegal to discriminate in housing-related lending and insurance.
If I am not a U.S. citizen, am I still protected?
You have fair housing rights, whatever your immigration status may be; U.S. citizenship is not required. And, it is illegal for a landlord or housing provider to threaten or intimidate you for exercising fair housing rights.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I don't speak English?
No - It is illegal for a landlord to deny you housing or discriminate against you based on your national origin characteristics, such as language, customary dress or cultural rituals.
Can I be discriminated against because I have children?
No - families with children (under 18 years of age) are protected from housing discrimination. Landlords cannot advertise “ no children ” or “ adults only ” ; cannot refuse to rent to you or evict you because you have children; cannot charge you more because you have children; cannot have rules or regulations that discriminate against children; cannot restrict families with children only to certain floors, buildings, or areas. Landlords can restrict the number of people in a unit, but must generally allow at least 2 people per bedroom.
A landlord will rent to me, but only if we date - is that OK?
Sexual harassment in housing is illegal housing discrimination. Examples of illegal sexual harassment in housing include: landlords or their staff offering housing or lower rent in exchange for sex; requiring sexual favors in order to do repairs or maintenance; limiting services or threatening to evict you for refusing sexual advances; harassing you by making sexual comments or touching you sexually, making you feel uncomfortable, threatened, or afraid. Remember, you have the right to be safe from sexual harassment in your home.
Am I protected if I have a physical or mental disability?
Housing providers must treat people with disabilities (physical and mental) fairly, and also must provide reasonable accommodations (exceptions to rules/policies - allowing a service animal in a “ no pets ” building) and allow reasonable modifications (structural changes to a unit - grab bars, a ramp, or widened doorways).
Who can I turn to if I have questions or think I ' ve been discriminated against?
Call local HUD office or Shalom Center at 213-380-3700 for more fair housing resources and referrals.
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