Why We Believe This Matters in California
In our view, California has one of the most detailed regulatory environments in the nation for real estate professionals. With approximately 195,000 licensed real estate professionals, the sources our legal team reviewed include the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA), robust fair housing enforcement, and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) actively enforces data privacy rules, and fair housing enforcement has deep institutional roots. We believe these sources are worth reviewing when considering how any screening tool handles personal data in California. This summary is informational only and not legal advice.
Fair Housing Laws in California
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
FEHA prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, disability, veteran/military status, and genetic information. California offers broader protections than federal law.
CA Civil Rights Department — HousingUnruh Civil Rights Act
The Unruh Civil Rights Act provides broad protection against arbitrary discrimination by all business establishments in California, including housing services. It has been interpreted to cover virtually any form of arbitrary discrimination.
Unruh Act OverviewProtected Classes (State-Specific)
Beyond federal protected classes, California adds: source of income, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran/military status, and marital status. The state also protects against discrimination based on citizenship and immigration status in housing.
Economic Discrimination Considerations
Source of income is a protected class. Using financial data (bankruptcies, liens, judgments, asset information) when screening clients may, in our view, raise fair housing considerations under California law — one reason we exclude financial data.
Key Organizations & Resources
California has robust fair housing infrastructure.
Sources Reviewed — Quick Reference Links
Official third-party sources provided for your review. We do not control and are not responsible for external content.
Disclaimer: This page reflects Tether RE's views and summarizes sources our legal team reviewed in forming our filtering approach. It is for informational purposes only. This is not considered legal advice. Laws change frequently and summaries may be incomplete or outdated. Consult qualified legal counsel licensed in California for guidance specific to your practice. Last updated: May 2026.