It is illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, the number and presence of children, age or physical handicap. Examples of discrimination are: falsely denying that housing is available; discriminatory advertising; refusal to rent or sell and discrimination in the terms of a lease or rental agreement.
No person has the right to prevent another from renting or buying because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. anybody who does is discriminating, which is against the law. This applies to the sale or rental, the advertising of sale or rental, and the financing of housing or residential lots. In addition, no real estate broker can refuse to assist you for the above reasons. These rights are guaranteed under the provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 or 1968.
Any person who believes that they are being discriminated against should file a complaint with the State Department of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at 1-800-233-3212. The address for the State of California Fair Employment and Housing Department is 1330 Broadway, Room 1530, Oakland, California 94612.
Tulare County Legal Aid also assists with tenant/landlord issues. The phone number for Tulare County Legal Aid is 733-8770, and the office is located at 208 West Main Street, Visalia, California, 93291. For issues related to security deposits, leases or repairs, the Department of Consumer Affairs located at 4124 West Swift Avenue, Suite 101, Fresno, California 93277 may be able to assist. The telephone number for the Department of Consumer Affairs is 1-800-344-9940.
Health and Human Services Agency in Tulare County also assists with tenant/landlord issues related to the elderly. The phone number is 559-685-2600. The City of Tulare Discrimination Housing Hotline telephone number is 559-685-2328.
