California's SHOCKING Secret: Discrimination Against Section 8 Tenants EXPOSED!

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File Complaint with ( California Civil Rights Department)

An undercover investigation found that California tenants who held Section 8 housing vouchers were refused rental contracts by more than 200 landlords, including major real estate firms.

California tenants who held Section 8 housing vouchers were refused rental contracts by more than 200 landlords, including major real estate firms, according to an undercover investigation that found widespread discrimination in the state.

The investigative nonprofit Housing Rights Initiative announced Tuesday that it has filed complaints with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging landlords violated a state law against denying leases to renters who pay with vouchers. It seeks penalties against 203 companies and individuals.

The nonprofit is also pushing for more state funding to adequately enforce the law, which Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in 2019.

“This historic filing serves as an opportunity for the Governor and his housing enforcement agency to enforce the very bill he signed into law and hold violators accountable,” the Housing Rights Initiative said in a statement.

Newsom’s office referred comment on the filing to the state Civil Rights Department. Rishi Khalsa, a department spokesperson, said the agency is “deeply committed to using the tools at its disposal to combat discrimination in housing.” The department has reached more than 200 settlements related to similar discrimination in recent years, Khalsa said.

“We always welcome additional support to strengthen enforcement of civil rights and we continue to work with a range of partners in those efforts,” he said in an email Tuesday.

The goal of the Section 8 program, named for a component of the federal Housing Act, is to keep rental properties affordable and prevent homelessness, which has reached crisis levels in California. Under the program, which has a long waiting list, tenants typically pay about 30% of their income on rent, with the voucher covering the rest.

Over the course of a year, undercover investigators posing as prospective tenants reached out via text messages to landlords, property managers and real estate agents to determine compliance with California’s fair housing laws. The investigation found voucher holders were explicitly discriminated against 44% of the time in San Francisco. Voucher denials took place in 53% of cases in Oakland, 58% in San Jose, and 70% in Los Angeles.

In one text message exchange, an agent with EXP Realty, a national brokerage firm, tells an investigator posing as a prospective tenant that utilities are included in the monthly rate for a rental unit. When informed that the tenant has a Section 8 voucher, the agent responds, “I don’t work with that program,” according to the investigation.

In another exchange, a broker with Sotheby’s International Realty replies to an investigator posing as a hopeful renter, “Oh sorry, owner not accepting Section 8.”

Representatives for EXP and Sotheby’s didn’t immediately respond Tuesday to emails seeking comment on the claims.

Kate Liggett, program director of Housing Rights Initiative, estimates the filing represents just a fraction of discrimination against Section 8 tenants in California.

“By exposing this widespread and harmful practice, we call on the State to provide agencies like the California Civil Rights Department with the resources they need to eradicate voucher discrimination once and for all,” Liggett said in a statement.

[SectionConsulting]

We offer Section 8 Consulting Services by phone for Individuals and Landlords.
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[judyhudgens]

I had a section 8 tenants they abused their kids and destroyed my house. I ended up losing my rental after he broke out the window and kicked in every door. He destroyed my water heated and my carpet. He cut holes in the floor and ran electric wire under the house. Section 8 called in August to in form me that the heater was broken and we need to have it fixed. They demanded it be repaired. I hand to have the city condemn the house. The city had turn off the water. So they shit in the house. Needless to say I lost my investment. Land lords don't want these people because they abuse their property.

[ItCantRainForever]

You are a man for the people. I respect you sir. It's crazy that some people give section 8 a bad name.

[marquitaguyton]

I’m located in California I have my voucher now this is definitely an issue. Many owners don’t accept vouchers!

[GODSDaughterst]

I have been dealing with discrimination for many, many years. Thank you for this opportunity, very formative 💯👀👁🙏🏽

[AmatullahK]

Did you know, in some California counties, if you're poor or low income you can get a wavier for $30 court fees. Also, what is and where can we the exact law to support this violation?

[rogdow]

Aa meetings ARE "without alcohol" (by definition).
Love your show! Section 8 consulting IS THE BEST. 💕

[DebraHerring-vqhs]

Jay, I have been listening to you for a while and you are right on in everything I've heard you say. You have at least giving me confidence to stand up and fight for our rights.

[HealthyLifeMe]

I live in California and had to file a complaint against my Property Manager for harassment with the CRD.

[k.h.s.]

I have gone through hell with the Sacramento Housing Authority! I was on section 8 for 15 years and was terminated based on false accusations! My rights were violated, ( Housing, disability, VAWA, rights)! What they got away with is shocking! My story is shocking! Bottom line is it's you against a federal agency and they win! I lost my home of 20+ years, forced to be homeless, etc., etc. We are at their mercy unless you are lucky and find an attorney to represent you for free! SHRA needs to be investigated...my story needs to be told!! Justice is needed!

[sab_]

I live on the east coast, but thank you for empowering people Jay. You look highly incensed. Cali people, you've got to represent. Sue a landlord for every time you or someone you loved lost furniture, art, clothes, and heirlooms during a ruthless, inhumane eviction.

[seantaugher]

Have been told for months that the housing authority is out of money. Have been trying to move to a different apartment complex and was told it can take up to 6 months to get a moving voucher

[traceehoughton]

I waited 3 years on a list. After 2.9 years i was called to put additional paperwork together 3 months later i was still being asked eack week more more more find this find that. 4 months later i called them to see wat was happening as now i was homeless. They said we have lost your file and will have to start again. THIS SHIT. 5 years later im still homeless living in my car. God bless california!

[LoveLee-jztj]

so I went to Bayview YMCA to a food bank, late September. the protein was eggs from rose farms, which is a 12 pk of aa eggs that have been recalled as of oct 1. we are in 2024. I called the place to let them know about the salmonella protein.got hung up on twice, HERE IN SF. called 311 because the people in that food line deserve to know that was tainted. hi YMCA, hope you enjoy your visit from poison control

[cassandraj]

They never verify if the owner has done anything they just take his word for it and me and my daughter continue living bad

[moemoney]

Mr Jay I have a question what if they say they take sec 8 but they charge way over the housing voucher amount so technically they don’t take it they say they take it but charge 3000 for a one bedroom which housing would never pay

[Allaboutthes]

Thank you for mentioning, "Applicants still need to meet the requirements". California landlords are not allowed to deny someone based on having a Sec.8 voucher. HOWEVER, the applicant still needs to meet the rental criteria that applies to every single prospective renter. For example, they still need to meet the income requirements and fico score requirements. Just because someone has a voucher that covers the rent amount, doesn't mean they automatically qualify. They still need to have some source of income and pass the credit check. But yes, some Leasing Consultants and Onsite Property Managers will automatically shut you down the moment you mention Section 8 which is discrimination. But in their defense, sometimes they are just misinformed and uncertain how to respond because they have not been trained on the Sec.8 program. That's their company's fault. If that happens, ALWAYS ask the name of the management company so you can contact them directly. If it's privately owned that can be close to impossible to speak to owner. Just a little friendly advice...if you have a voucher and keep hitting a brick wall, do not lead with, "I have a voucher". They will immediately dismiss you or pre-judge you. You want to make sure you are treated with the same respect as every single prospect. Hope this helps! -Propery Manager for 30 years.

[truthcentral]

I'm 70, thrown off all affordable housing None of us Senior's were denied all. I am Owed money from corrupt Government. I'm on San Luis Obispo County. 1800 is the lowest. I make to little or to much. Fight, I. With you

[Donttalkaboutitbeaboutit]

If I had it, I’d surely take my hiney on down there

[rogdow]

That's great to hear! I just got a postcard informing me I will be receiving one of the only 5000 housing choice vouchers offered by Alameda county by a lottery with (only) 32, 000 applicants.🎉🎉🎉😅
¡!GREAT CONSULTANCY SVC¡!