Legal Assistance

Equal Housing Protection

Department of Fair Employment and HousingHomeowners, homebuyers and tenants have protection from housing discrimination under California Civil Rights laws through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). DFEH is responsible for enforcing state fair housing laws that make it illegal to discriminate because of the categories listed below under “Who is Protected?” The law applies to landlords, real estate agents, home sellers, builders, mortgage lenders, and others. The law prohibits discrimination in all aspects of the housing business, including: Renting or leasing, sales, mortgage lending and insurance, advertising, and practices such as restrictive covenants, as well as permitting new construction.

Who is Protected? California law protects individuals from illegal discrimination by housing providers based on the following: Age; Race, color; Ancestry, national origin, Religion: Disability, mental or physical: Sex, gender; Sexual orientation; Gender identity, gender expression; Genetic information; Marital status; Familial status; Source of income. For additional information visit DFEH website at: https://www.dfeh.ca.gov/Housing/

State Bar of California

State Bar of CaliforniaLegal services for disaster victims is an essential part of emergency management and response. Californians impacted by the disastrous fires can seek legal advice for various reasons, including insurance claims, securing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants, replacement of legal documents, landlord-tenant disputes, consumer protection matters and more. Click here for more information.