If you own a rental property in Riverside, California, understanding the California Fair Housing Act is not something that is optional, it is essential. This law protects tenants from discrimination and ensures that equal access to housing is provided. Many landlords may unintentionally violate this Act by overlooking some incredibly critical details. So, this begs the question, what actually is the California Fair Housing Act?
What is the California Fair Housing Act?
The California Fair Housing Act is a state law designed to eliminate discrimination in housing. It guarantees that every person has the right to seek, rent, buy, or live in housing without being denied based on personal characteristics that are legally protected. This law applies across California, including cities like Riverside, and covers almost all types of housing providers, including individual landlords, property managers, real estate agents, and homeowners associations.
The law is part of the broader Fair Employment and Housing Act, often referred to as FEHA. While there are federal fair housing laws in place, California's protections are even broader and more detailed. California not only reinforces the federal Fair Housing Act but also adds protections that go beyond what federal law requires. This means that landlords in Riverside must be especially careful to follow both state and federal guidelines.
Under the California Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to discriminate against someone in any housing-related transaction based on the following:
Race
Color
Religion
Sex
Gender
Gender identity
Gender expression
Sexual orientation
Marital status
National origin
Ancestry
Familial status (for example, whether someone has children)
Source of income (including housing vouchers or government assistance)
Disability (both physical and mental)
Veteran or military status
Genetic information
Discrimination can take many forms. It may look like a landlord refusing to rent to someone because they receive Section 8 assistance, or it could be a rental ad that says “no kids.” It might include asking about someone's religion during a showing or offering different rental terms based on a tenant’s background. Even steering someone away from a neighborhood or offering different amenities based on personal characteristics may violate the law.
Importantly, the law does not just cover the application process. It applies to every part of the landlord-tenant relationship. This includes advertising, screening, leasing, renewals, rent increases, service requests, and even eviction procedures. Treating tenants differently at any stage because of a protected characteristic can result in a fair housing violation.
California’s fair housing protections are enforced by the Civil Rights Department, formerly known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Tenants who believe they have been discriminated against can file a complaint with the agency. If a violation is found, landlords may face fines, damages, and even lawsuits.
If you own or manage rental property in Riverside, you need to know and follow this law. The consequences of ignoring it are serious. Beyond legal penalties, fair housing violations can damage your reputation and reduce tenant trust. Knowing what the law says and how it applies to your rental business is a key part of staying compliant and running a professional operation.
In the next section, we will explain why this law matters not just from a legal standpoint, but also as a foundation for ethical and responsible property management.
Why is the California Fair Housing Act Important?
The California Fair Housing Act plays a critical role in creating equal housing opportunities for all Californians. For landlords and property owners in Riverside, understanding why this law matters is not just about avoiding penalties. It is about building a fair, professional, and legally compliant rental business.
At its core, the California Fair Housing Act is important because it protects people from being denied housing based on who they are. Everyone deserves the opportunity to find a safe and stable place to live, and this law helps ensure that housing decisions are made based on objective qualifications, not personal bias or prejudice. When a landlord makes rental decisions based on race, religion, disability, or any other protected category, it not only violates the law but also undermines the integrity of the rental market.
For landlords, following this law helps build a reputation for fairness and professionalism. Tenants want to work with landlords who treat people equally and create welcoming communities. By maintaining consistent policies and fair screening practices, landlords are more likely to attract reliable tenants, avoid disputes, and keep long-term residents. That means fewer vacancies, lower turnover costs, and a more stable rental income.
There is also the financial and legal side to consider. Violating the Fair Housing Act can result in serious consequences. Tenants who believe they have been discriminated against can file complaints with the state’s Civil Rights Department or pursue legal action. If found liable, landlords may be ordered to pay thousands of dollars in damages, attorney fees, or civil penalties. Some cases even result in court judgments that can impact your ability to own or manage property in the future.
In many cases, landlords violate fair housing laws unintentionally. A simple statement in a rental listing or a casual comment during a showing can be misinterpreted or cross the legal line. For example, advertising a property as ideal for singles or saying a unit is “not suited for children” could be considered discriminatory under the law. Even decisions that seem neutral on the surface, like refusing to rent to someone with a housing voucher, may be illegal in California. The Fair Housing Act requires landlords to evaluate each applicant based on consistent criteria, not assumptions or preferences.
Beyond compliance, there is a broader reason why this law is important. Housing is a foundation for stability, opportunity, and community. By following fair housing laws, landlords become part of a larger effort to reduce inequality, increase access to housing, and support the well-being of neighborhoods throughout Riverside and the rest of California. It is about doing the right thing, not just the legal thing.
Understanding the California Fair Housing Act is one of the most important responsibilities a landlord can take seriously. In the following sections, we will look at what happens when landlords fail to comply and how to make sure your rental practices stay within the law.
Penalties for Failing to Comply with the California Fair Housing Act:
Failing to comply with the California Fair Housing Act can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for landlords and property owners in Riverside. Whether the violation is intentional or unintentional, the penalties can be swift, costly, and damaging to your rental business and reputation.
California takes housing discrimination seriously. The state’s Civil Rights Department (CRD), formerly known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, has the authority to investigate complaints, enforce the law, and impose penalties when violations are found. Tenants or applicants who believe they have been discriminated against can file a complaint with the CRD, which can launch a formal investigation into your practices.
If the investigation confirms that discrimination occurred, you may be held liable for a range of penalties. These include:
Compensatory damages to the tenant for emotional distress, out-of-pocket expenses, or loss of housing opportunity
Civil penalties that can range from a few thousand dollars to over $25,000 depending on the severity and whether this is a first-time offense
Punitive damages in more serious cases, especially where there is clear intent to discriminate or repeated violations
Attorney’s fees and legal costs, which the landlord may be required to pay if the tenant wins in court
Mandatory fair housing training or corrective actions ordered by the state to prevent future violations
If the case escalates to a civil lawsuit, the court can also issue injunctions or restraining orders, which may require you to change your policies, revise your rental practices, or even pay for ongoing monitoring of your business by the court or a third party.
Keep in mind that these penalties do not just apply to the owner of the property. Anyone involved in the discriminatory action can be held liable. This includes property managers, leasing agents, and even maintenance staff if they contribute to a hostile housing environment or discriminatory behavior.
Beyond legal penalties, fair housing violations can permanently damage your reputation as a landlord. Complaints are often public record, and a history of violations can make it harder to rent your properties, partner with vendors, or attract serious investors. In some cases, it may also impact your ability to qualify for housing-related licenses, permits, or financing.
The risk of a fair housing complaint is not limited to obvious cases of discrimination. Many landlords get into trouble over vague or outdated screening policies, improper advertising language, or inconsistent treatment of applicants. Even a well-meaning attempt to “match the right tenant to the right neighborhood” can result in a fair housing violation if it influences housing decisions based on protected characteristics.
In summary, the penalties for noncompliance are too significant to ignore. Every Riverside landlord should take proactive steps to understand the law, train their staff, document their rental processes, and maintain consistent, non-discriminatory practices. Doing so protects not only your tenants, but also your bottom line and your long-term business success.
Who Needs to Follow the California Fair Housing Act?
The California Fair Housing Act applies to nearly everyone involved in providing, managing, or advertising housing in the state. If you are a landlord, property manager, real estate agent, leasing consultant, homeowner with a rental unit, or even a company that owns rental property, you are legally responsible for following this law. It is not limited to large apartment complexes or corporations. Even individual owners of a single-family home in Riverside must comply.
This law applies to all types of housing, including single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, apartment buildings, and condominiums, whether they are rented or sold. It also covers temporary housing like short-term rentals, senior living facilities, and shelters in certain cases. Basically, if you are in the business of providing housing in California, you are expected to follow fair housing laws.
Many accidental landlords in Riverside do not realize they are subject to these laws. Renting out a property you inherited, moved out of, or are holding as a long-term investment still qualifies you as a housing provider under California law. That means your rental application process, advertising language, lease terms, and even your communication with tenants must not discriminate based on any of the protected categories outlined in the law.
Real estate professionals are also expected to comply. If you are a licensed broker or agent who helps someone rent or sell a home, you are responsible for ensuring that the client’s actions align with fair housing rules. That includes how you market properties, who you show them to, and how you handle offers or applications.
Vendors and maintenance personnel are not exempt either. While they may not be making housing decisions directly, their behavior can still lead to claims if it creates a hostile or discriminatory environment for tenants. Landlords are expected to address any such issues quickly and professionally.
There are very few exemptions to this law. In limited cases, housing owned by religious organizations or certain nonprofit groups may be exempt under specific conditions, but those situations are rare and often require legal review. Most property owners in Riverside will not qualify for these exemptions.
Understanding that the California Fair Housing Act casts a wide net is essential. This is not a law that only applies to large companies or professional landlords. Whether you are renting out one unit or one hundred, fair housing compliance is your responsibility. Failing to follow it puts your rental income, reputation, and legal standing at risk.
Riverside Specific Ordinances Related to Fair Housing:
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In addition to state and federal fair housing laws, the City of Riverside has its own local ordinances that reinforce and expand protections for renters. These city-level regulations are designed to prevent housing discrimination, promote equal access, and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to find safe and affordable housing. As a landlord or property owner in Riverside, understanding these local rules is just as important as knowing state law.
The most notable local regulation is Riverside’s enforcement of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act through its Human Relations Commission, which works in partnership with the City Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Department to investigate and mediate local housing discrimination complaints. Riverside encourages tenants to report any instance of perceived discrimination, whether it is based on race, disability, family status, or another protected category.
The city also actively supports fair housing education and outreach programs. These initiatives are often provided in partnership with organizations like the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, a HUD-approved nonprofit that offers landlord training, mediation services, and tenant advocacy. If a tenant files a complaint with this organization, they can refer the case for legal enforcement if mediation fails.
Landlords in Riverside should also be aware of local advertising rules. Any language that could be interpreted as discriminatory is strictly prohibited in rental listings. For example, phrases like “no kids,” “ideal for single professionals,” or “Christian household preferred” are clear violations, even if unintentionally used. These types of ads can trigger city-level investigations and may result in formal complaints and legal consequences.
Additionally, the City of Riverside emphasizes the importance of reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications for tenants with disabilities. Under local guidance, landlords are expected to allow service animals, install minor accessibility improvements, or adjust certain lease terms when necessary. Denying these requests without a valid reason could be considered discriminatory under both city and state rules.
There are no rent control or eviction protection ordinances currently unique to Riverside beyond what is covered under California’s statewide Tenant Protection Act. However, city leaders continue to evaluate housing policies, especially as affordability challenges and tenant protections gain more attention.
If you are a landlord operating in Riverside, staying informed about these local ordinances and the city’s approach to fair housing enforcement is critical. Ignorance of local law is not a defense, and even unintentional violations can lead to costly fines and damage to your reputation. Partnering with a local property management company or fair housing consultant can help you stay compliant and avoid mistakes.
Examples of What Not to Do as a Landlord in Riverside:
Most landlords who violate the California Fair Housing Act are not acting out of malice. In many cases, they simply do not fully understand what the law prohibits. But ignorance is not a defense. If you own or manage rental property in Riverside, you need to know what kinds of actions, statements, or policies can be considered discriminatory.
One of the most common mistakes is using discriminatory language in rental ads. Even if you think you are being descriptive or setting expectations, phrases like “no children,” “perfect for a single person,” or “safe Christian neighborhood” can be seen as violations. These terms suggest a preference for or against specific types of tenants, which is not allowed under fair housing laws.
Another major issue is applying different screening criteria to different applicants. For example, requiring higher income levels or more documentation from tenants of a certain race or national origin is illegal. All applicants must be treated equally with the same criteria, regardless of personal background.
Failing to accommodate a tenant with a disability is another common violation. If a tenant requests a service animal or asks to install grab bars in the bathroom, a landlord cannot simply say no. These are considered reasonable accommodations or modifications under the law. Denying them could lead to a fair housing complaint and legal action.
Steering is another behavior that can get landlords into trouble. This is when you subtly try to guide prospective tenants away from certain neighborhoods or units based on assumptions about their race, religion, or family status. Even saying something like “you may not feel comfortable in this area” can be interpreted as discriminatory and is grounds for a complaint.
Landlords also need to avoid asking illegal questions during the application or interview process. You cannot ask about a person’s religion, disability, marital status, or whether they plan to have children. These topics are protected under the law and should never be part of your tenant selection criteria.
Finally, watch out for inconsistent enforcement of rules. If you charge late fees to some tenants but not others, or you strictly enforce quiet hours with one group and not another, you could be exposing yourself to a discrimination claim. All policies must be applied consistently across your entire tenant base.
Being a landlord in Riverside means following both state and local fair housing regulations. The best way to protect yourself is by standardizing your screening process, avoiding assumptions, and always staying informed about legal updates. Mistakes, even unintentional ones, can be expensive.
Additional Resources for Riverside Landlords:
Staying compliant with the California Fair Housing Act is easier when you have the right tools and support. Fortunately, Riverside landlords have access to several local and state resources designed to help you stay informed and avoid legal mistakes.
One of the most helpful organizations is the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County. This nonprofit provides education, landlord training, mediation services, and legal assistance. They regularly offer workshops tailored to property owners and managers.
The California Civil Rights Department (formerly the Department of Fair Employment and Housing) also offers clear guidance on fair housing laws, including downloadable forms, FAQs, and compliance checklists. Their website is a great place to start when you need clarification on a regulation.
Locally, the City of Riverside’s Human Relations Commission works in partnership with the City Attorney’s Office to help enforce housing laws and promote equal opportunity.
Finally, partnering with a professional property management company that understands both state and local laws—like PMI Riverside—can help reduce your risk and ensure your policies are consistent and legal.
Fair housing law is not just about avoiding penalties. It’s about creating a rental experience that’s inclusive, fair, and built for long-term success.
