City of Chico - Fair Housing

Fair Housing

Fair Housing Fact Sheet
(CA Civil Rights Dept)

Fair Housing Booklet
(CA Civil Rights Dept)

Fair Housing and You
(LSNC, 2011)

This website provides an overview on fair housing laws, tenant rights, and landlord responsibilities in California. Included are several local organizations that can assist with Fair Housing complaints.

The City of Chico is dedicated to protecting the rights of renters and landlords and promoting fair housing choice. There are federal and state laws that protect individuals against discriminatory housing practices. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (gender), national origin, physical or mental disability, and families with children. California law, in addition to the above categories, further prohibits discrimination based on ancestry, age, sexual orientation, marital status, and source of income. California law also prohibits arbitrary discrimination based on personal characteristics such as appearance or lifestyle if such characteristics are unrelated to one’s responsibilities as a tenant.

Laws That Protect Against Housing Discrimination

Fair Housing Act (FHA): A federal law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA): Ensures that individuals cannot be discriminated against when applying for credit, including mortgages, based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because they receive public assistance.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Requires housing providers make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): In California, this law expands protections to include characteristics like age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income.

Unruh Civil Rights Act: In California, this law prohibits discrimination by businesses, including housing providers, based on protected characteristics.

Common Forms Of Housing Discrimination Include

Refusal to Rent or Sell: Denying housing based on race, religion, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Discriminatory Advertising: Using language in housing ads that exclude certain groups.
Unequal Terms: Offering different lease terms or conditions to individuals based on their identity.
Steering: Directing potential buyers or renters to specific neighborhoods based on race or ethnicity.
Accessibility Issues: Failing to accommodate individuals with disabilities, such as not providing wheelchair-accessible units.
Harassment: Sexual harassment or other forms of intimidation by landlords or property managers.

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing

As a recipient of federal housing and community development funds, the City of Chico is required to conduct an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) every five years. The AI identifies fair housing barriers and actions that the City will take to overcome historic patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities that are free from discrimination.

See the Most Recent

Analysis of Impediments Here

Local Resources And Fair Housing Assistance