No tenant should be treated differently, harassed, or denied housing because of who they are. In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal law make it illegal for landlords to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, disability, source of income, age, or the language you speak.
Whether the discrimination is obvious—like refusing to rent to someone—or subtle—such as imposing stricter rules on certain tenants—it’s against the law.
When Discrimination Targets Your Origin or Language
Discrimination based on national origin or language is common yet often goes unreported. A landlord cannot refuse to rent to you because of your country of origin, ethnicity, or ancestry; harass or punish you for speaking a language other than English; charge higher rent, impose stricter lease terms, or provide fewer services because of your background; or ignore repair requests or treat you differently because of your national origin or language. These actions aren’t just unfair—they’re illegal.
What to Do if You’ve Experienced Discrimination?
If you think you’ve been treated unfairly because of your national origin, language, or another protected characteristic:
- ● Document everything — save texts, emails, letters, or other evidence of discriminatory treatment.
- ● Make a written complaint to your landlord and keep a copy.
- ● Contact a tenant rights attorney right away. Tenant Law Group can help you protect your rights and hold your landlord accountable.
How Tenant Law Group Can Help
We have helped tenants throughout California stand up to landlord discrimination and obtain the compensation they deserve. Our legal team can evaluate your situation to determine whether your rights have been violated, help you recover money for the damages you have suffered, guide you through the entire process with compassion and expertise, and represent you at no upfront cost if your case qualifies for contingency representation.
Don’t Let Housing Discrimination Go Unchallenged—Call Today
If your landlord has discriminated against you because of your national origin, the language you speak, or any other protected characteristic, you have rights under California law. Tenant Law Group is here to help you fight back.
