Investigation finds widespread discrimination against Section 8 tenants in California

LOS ANGELES (AP) — 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. The investigative nonprofit the Housing Rights Initiative announced Tuesday 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 state law, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in 2019. The goal of the Section 8 program is to keep rental properties affordable and prevent homelessness.