During Fair Housing Month, Civil Rights Department Shares New Data on Housing Discrimination in Southern California

SACRAMENTO – During National Fair Housing Month, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) today shared the results of fair housing testing conducted across Los Angeles County and Ventura County in 2024 by the Housing Rights Center, showing ongoing and wide-ranging discrimination. CRD regularly sponsors fair housing testing to identify and protect Californians against discrimination in housing, such as denials based on whether an individual uses housing assistance or has a family with children under the age of 18. The department today also highlighted new informational resources for Californians and ongoing work to directly combat discriminatory housing practices across the state.

“Housing discrimination isn’t just a relic of the past,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish. “This data makes it clear that Californians continue to confront a range of barriers to finding a place to call home. Whether it’s a ban on housing vouchers or an unlawful denial of disability-related modifications, discriminatory housing practices have a real impact on Californians. Housing providers should be aware that they could be subject to testing at any time. At the Civil Rights Department, we remain committed to Californians’ fair access to housing and protecting their civil rights.”

“Safe and decent housing is a basic need for all Californians,” said Housing Rights Center Executive Director Chancela Al-Mansour. “For too many, however, such housing is out of reach because of illegal discrimination. From counseling and testing to litigation and education, the Housing Rights Center remains a leader in the fight for fair housing. Thank you to the Civil Rights Department for partnering with us in this work. I encourage anyone who believes their rights have been violated to reach out to us.”

How Does Testing Work?

Under state and federal law, nonprofit fair housing organizations may carry out fair housing testing — including by posing as an individual in need of housing — to help identify and eliminate discriminatory practices. Fair housing testing typically consists of paired tests where two individuals separately reach out to inquire about housing availability with one tester identifying as having a protected characteristic. If there is a difference in how the applicants are treated, that can serve as evidence of potential discrimination, which can support or lead to a civil rights complaint. Testing can be conducted through a variety of means, including in person or over the phone.

What Do the New Numbers Say?

Throughout 2024, CRD sponsored fair housing testing across Los Angeles County and Ventura County. The tests were completed by the Housing Rights Center, which conducted more than 120 tests over the phone and nearly 100 tests in person. While not a representative sample, the tests underscore the prevalence of housing discrimination. Key findings from the properties subject to testing showed:

• Source of Income: Of the 54 properties tested, 54% demonstrated discrimination based on the use of housing assistance programs, including explicit statements that Section 8 vouchers were not accepted.
• Familial Status: Of the 19 properties tested, 26% demonstrated evidence of discriminatory practices against prospective tenants with children, including instances of providers not offering available promotional rates or attempting to charge higher rent.
• Race: Of the 90 properties tested, 22% demonstrated discrimination based on an applicant’s race, including instances of differential treatment against Black applicants with respect to credit score requirements and rental amounts.
• Disability: Of the 13 properties tested, 23% demonstrated discrimination based on an individual’s disability, including outright denials to accommodate a request for reasonable modifications.
• Criminal History: Of the 32 properties tested, 44% demonstrated discrimination based on an individual’s criminal history, including blanket bans regardless of whether a conviction was connected to a specific housing concern.

State Takes Action, Helps Californians Understand Their Housing Rights

As part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enforce housing protections, CRD relies on a wide range of tools — including testing — to investigate, litigate, and resolve alleged violations of fair housing laws. For instance, in September last year, the department secured a mediated settlement with 30 assisted living facilities across the state over alleged violations identified through fair housing testing. CRD also filed a lawsuit against a Bakersfield property owner over an alleged policy against accepting housing assistance vouchers, which was corroborated by fair housing testing. Earlier this month, CRD also helped reach a $64,500 settlement for an individual renter who was denied housing in Chula Vista because they attempted to use Section 8.

In addition to direct enforcement, CRD continues to update and create informational materials to help people across California better understand their housing rights. For instance, the department recently issued new guidance on reasonable modifications to common areas and individual units to ensure people with disabilities can enjoy equal access to housing. The department also regularly holds online trainings to help ensure housing providers, advocates, and members of the public understand their rights, including with respect to housing. Many of CRD’s webinars and trainings can also be watched at any time on the department’s YouTube channel.

CRD also regularly conducts proactive reviews of online advertising to document and address statements that unlawfully attempt to screen out potential tenants based on protected characteristics. In 2024, the department issued a total of 758 compliance notices to correct violations of the state’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, including 374 addressing potential violations of fair housing laws.

If you or someone you know has experienced housing discrimination, CRD may be able to assist you through its complaint process. The department also provides general information and factsheets online about civil rights protections for members of the public, including with respect to housing.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. CRD’s mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.

View Press Release (PDF) During Fair Housing Month, Civil Rights Department Shares New Data on Housing Discrimination in Southern California