Housing Discrimination
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
California Civil Rights Department: Discrimination Complaint Process
Complaint process/forms for discrimination/civil rights issues
Emotional Support and Service Animals
Where are they allowed and under what conditions? This older resource describes the ADA and how it addresses ESAs and Service Animals, but please verify any information with an attorney.
Emotional Support Animals and Housing Law
This information is from the California Civil Rights Department. These downloadable pages have information on what an emotional support animal is, what your legal rights are in your housing if you have an emotional support animal, and what to do if your landlord violates your rights.
File Your Housing Discrimination Complaint Online
If you believe your rights may have been violated, we encourage you to report housing discrimination. Because there are time limits on when an allegation can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should report housing discrimination as soon as possible. When reporting housing discrimination, please provide as much information as possible, including:
Financial Protection Assistance
Offers information on various financial topics, empowering consumers with knowledge on banking, loans, credit, fraud prevention, and more.
Harassment Prevention Guide for CA Housing Providers
Guide on harassment investigation, complaint, and prevention for housing providers (i.e. landlords, property management companies, emergency shelters, and HOAs)
HEART LA
3612 11th Ave Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 643-4430
www.heartla.org/meetwithanattorney
This group does not provide legal representation in court.
Housing Authorities, Section 8 Vouchers, & Housing Discrimination Based on Disability - Your Rights and Options
Discrimination by government agencies and certain businesses against persons who have disabilities is illegal. This includes discrimination by Public Housing Authorities who administer/manage housing programs, such as Public Housing and Section 8 Vouchers. This resource includes sample letters to a housing authority or medical professional.
Know Your Rights: Sharing Information about Immigration Status in HUD Housing Programs
The sheet explains your rights when it comes to sharing your immigration status with HUD housing providers. It tells you when you are required to share your status and when you are not, what happens if not all family members are eligible for housing assistance, and how to respond if your housing provider asks for immigration information. It also lists which immigration categories qualify for HUD assistance, what information may be shared with HUD or immigration authorities, and advises you to talk to a legal aid group before giving any information if you're unsure.
Know Your Rights: Tenant
Know your rights as a California Tenant. This resource discusses allowable rent increases, health and safety issues, and when landlords can remove their tenants from housing.
Lawyer Referral Service - Fresno County Bar Association
2444 Main Street, Suite 125 Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 264-2619
www.fresnocountybar.org/?pg=clientreferrals
This group does not provide legal representation in court.
PILP Public Benefits Advocate's Guides
Advocate's Guides to the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, CalWORKs Homeless Assistance, and CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HDAP, HA, and HSP). The guides including program information, practical tips, and client fliers to improve access to and awareness of these programs.
Reasonable Accommodations & Reasonable Modifications
This fact sheet explains how people with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations or modifications.
Roadmap to Reentry
A California legal guide for people in reentry and their advocates. This resource is highly detailed and cites to specific law. Seek the advice of an attorney to find out if this information applies to your situation.
Tenant Rights for Undocumented Californians
This resource provides know-your-rights (KYR) information for undocumented individuals regarding housing rights. It outlines protections against discrimination and eviction, as well as steps to take if one's rights are violated. It may also cover resources and support for those navigating housing issues.
Your Rights Under Federal Law
The Fair Housing Act has been updated a few times since it was passed in 1968 to protect more people from discrimination.