Civil Rights Department Sues Owners of Oakland Senior Living Community Over Refusal to Accept Section 8

SACRAMENTO – The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) today announced a lawsuit against the owners of Park Glenview Apartments, an 84-unit senior living community in Oakland, over their alleged refusal to accept Section 8. Under California law, landlords and housing providers cannot refuse to rent to people based on their use of housing assistance programs, such as Section 8.

“Housing assistance vouchers are a key part of California’s efforts to keep people in their homes,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish. “We shouldn’t be denying seniors housing when they have guaranteed money available to help pay for rent. Landlords have an important role to play in addressing housing insecurity in our state. When a property owner doesn’t hold up to their obligations under the law, we’re prepared to take action.”

Denials Lead to State Investigation

In 2022, CRD received individual complaints that Park Glenview Apartments maintained a years-long policy of refusing to rent to prospective tenants with Section 8. In response, the department launched an investigation into the alleged ban and subsequently issued a director’s complaint. A director’s complaint is one tool the department uses to help address potential violations on behalf of a group of individuals or otherwise resolve broader civil rights concerns identified during an investigation. At the conclusion of its investigation, CRD ultimately determined and alleged in its lawsuit that the owners of the apartment complex intentionally engaged in unlawful and ongoing discrimination against people using Section 8.

State Files Lawsuit

After attempting to resolve the matter through mediation, CRD is now suing the owners to protect the ability of low-income seniors to access housing and to:

• Prevent any future unlawful refusals to accept Section 8 or support from other housing assistance programs.
• Require proactive action be taken to address the alleged illegal conduct.
• Secure financial compensation for individuals who were unlawfully denied housing.

Robust Protections Against Housing Discrimination

California continues to take action to combat housing discrimination in all its forms. Earlier this year, CRD announced a $90,000 settlement after a Bay Area family was allegedly lowballed in a home appraisal. The department also secured a $280,000 settlement over allegations that a longtime property manager at a Bakersfield apartment complex engaged in years of unwelcome sexual harassment against tenants. Last year, CRD reached a $35,000 settlement with a Novato apartment complex, ending their alleged ban on Section 8. The department also filed a lawsuit against a San Bernardino landlord for effectively forcing a tenant out after she began to participate in the Section 8 program. Since the passage of Senate Bill 329 in 2019, CRD has secured more than 250 settlements based on the use of programs like Section 8.

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, including with respect to your rights in housing. Members of the public may also report discriminatory ads that attempt to unlawfully screen out housing applicants with Section 8.

The lawsuit announced today is being litigated by Staff Counsel Dylan Colbert, Associate Chief Counsel Azadeh Hosseinian, and Assistant Chief Counsel Nadia Aziz.

A copy of the lawsuit as filed with the court is available here.

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) Civil Rights Department Sues Owners of Oakland Senior Living Community Over Refusal to Accept Section 8