If you are denied an opportunity to rent a home or apartment—or given false information about a rental—because of your sexual orientation, you are a victim of illegal housing discrimination. It is also illegal for landlords or other housing providers to treat in-place residents or their guests unfavorably because of the individual’s sexual orientation.

California fair housing laws include protections for people who are (or are perceived to be) straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered.

Examples & Warning Signs of Sexual Orientation Discrimination

• Refusing to rent to an individual or couple because of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

• Treating same-sex couples who are married or in a domestic partnership differently from heterosexual married couples.

• Derogatory comments about a resident’s or guest’s sexual orientation by the landlord or employees, including refusal to respect a resident’s gender identity.

• Failing to protect the right of “quiet enjoyment” of rental housing when a resident is harassed or intimidated because of the resident’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

• Advertising a preference for or against residents based on sexual orientation.

If you suspect that you are a victim of housing discrimination on the basis of your sexual orientation, contact the GBLA Fair Housing Law Project.

FHLP Sexual Orientation Discrimination Flyer: English or Spanish