Owner resource
Fair housing is part of managing a rental well
Reviewed September 25, 2026.
Our commitment
Property Management of California LLC is committed to making rental opportunities available without unlawful discrimination. California's fair-housing rules reach owners, brokers, property managers and screening companies, as well as advertisements and leases. This page explains the standards that inform a fair rental process. California Civil Rights Department.
What fair housing covers
Federal and California laws protect people from discrimination in housing on many grounds. California's list includes race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex and gender, sexual orientation, familial status, age, military or veteran status and source of income, including Housing Choice Vouchers. California Civil Rights Department's protected-characteristics list; HUD Fair Housing Act overview.
This applies to a single-family rental too. A general statement that detached houses are outside fair-housing law would be wrong. The California Civil Rights Department specifically includes single-family homes and property managers in its coverage discussion.
List the property, not a preferred person
A rental listing should describe the home's features, price, accessibility information and application process. It should not suggest that only a preferred occupation, family type or background belongs there. Fair-housing duties apply to the way an opportunity is advertised as well as the final selection. California CRD housing guidance; HUD advertising guidance.
What lawful screening requires
An owner can evaluate whether an applicant can meet lawful lease obligations. Screening standards should be shared and applied consistently, with the facts of each application considered under current law. Blanket exclusions or a screening report treated as infallible can create fair-housing problems. California's housing guidance addresses discriminatory screening and limits on criminal-history decisions; HUD's screening guidance explains why criteria should be relevant and fairly applied.
Housing Choice Vouchers are a protected source of income under California law. A blanket “no Section 8” rule or different terms for a voucher applicant can be discriminatory. Applicants must have a fair chance to show ability to pay their portion of the rent under otherwise lawful criteria. California CRD source-of-income FAQ.
Disability accommodations under the law
Applicants and residents with disabilities may need a reasonable adjustment to a rule, process or service to have an equal chance to use the home. A request does not have to use special legal words or arrive on a particular form. It should be considered promptly and on its own facts. California CRD accommodation guidance.
Questions or concerns
If you have a question about a rental listing or application handled by Property Management of California LLC, contact Blake Hunter at (669) 251-0162 or blake@pmofcal.com. You can also consult the California Civil Rights Department's housing resources or HUD's fair-housing information.