SOI Protections Upheld Highlighting

March 26, 2024- Long Beach, CA – The Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) conducts tests on randomly selected properties in both Los Angeles County and Orange County cities. Recently, FHF tested properties for discrimination based on an applicant’s source of income. FHF identified discriminatory practices within several properties in the city of Long Beach, specifically against Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders.

An FHF investigator posing as a prospective tenant contacted the housing provider to inquire about an available property for rent. The property’s income requirement was that a tenant must make 3 times the rent to qualify. When the investigator inquired about the rental requirements, the Respondent said that they needed to make $4,800; 3 times the rent. When the investigator disclosed that she had a Section 8 voucher, the Respondent said they would accept Section 8, but the income requirement is still 3 times the rent of $4,800. The investigator clarified whether that was based on the full rental amount or just the Section 8 portion. The Respondent again said, “yes, thank you,” and ended the call.

FHF sent a letter to the property explaining the audit and test that was done for the subject property. The Respondents were informed that evidence of discrimination was identified, wherein Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders were denied a housing opportunity because the required income standards were based on the overall monthly rent and not on the tenant’s portion paid by the tenant with a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. Using this method would automatically disqualify an applicant, as most Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders do not make the overall monthly rent to meet their income standards. FHF also explained Assembly Bill 329, to which they received no response. The efforts made by FHF were unsuccessful in conciliating with the Respondents. Therefore, FHF filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).

Through mediation, FHF was able to successfully mediate the complaint, settling for $2,140. In addition, the Respondents will need to attend fair housing training and implement a policy that is nondiscriminatory regarding the source of income protections.

Due to completed audits, FHF finds that even though Section 8 program participation is protected under source of income discrimination, Section 8 voucher holders are still facing challenges during the application process. Housing providers continue to misinform applicants by requiring them to meet the overall income requirements, even though it exceeds the required tenant’s portion of rent.