Q&A: It's illegal to reject rental applicant just because she has no job

"Under California fair housing laws, it is illegal for a housing provider to refuse to rent to an applicant because of the source of the applicant's income, so long as the rental applicant can prove financial ability to pay the rent. Here, the rental agent's rejection of your application because you do not have current employment income appears to violate these laws."

"This law is intended to protect persons who are retired, disabled or living on government benefits from being discriminated against in housing because their income comes from sources other than a current job. The alternative income source has to be reliable, however, and the amount of the income still must meet the landlord's minimum income standards."

"To increase your chances of obtaining a rental, you may consider offering to show a prospective landlord your credit report, bank statements, government benefit stubs or other verification of your income as well as prior rental references. You also could offer to pay the maximum security deposit allowable by law."

California fair housing laws protect applicants from discrimination based on income source, including inheritance, retirement funds, disability benefits, or government assistance. Landlords may only require proof that applicants meet minimum income standards through reliable income sources. Applicants can strengthen applications by providing credit reports, bank statements, investment account documentation, prior rental references, and offering maximum allowable security deposits. If rejected based on employment income requirements alone, applicants may file complaints with fair housing agencies. The law ensures that persons with non-employment income sources receive equal housing consideration.

Read at Los Angeles Times