California Fair Housing Protected Classes
Last verified: 2026-05-01 · 17 protected classes
California's Fair Employment and Housing Act adds 12+ classes beyond the federal baseline, including source of income, gender identity, and veteran or military status.
Federal baseline (applies everywhere)
View United States (Federal) referenceSource: Fair Housing Act, 42 USC §§ 3601–3619 · Official text
Race(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Color(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Religion(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
National origin(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Sex(added 1974)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Familial status(added 1988)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Households with children under 18, including pregnant individuals.
Disability(added 1988)
42 USC § 3604(f)
Originally enacted as 'handicap'; covers physical and mental impairments.
State additions — California
Source: California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) · Official text
Ancestry
Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(a)
Marital status
Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(a)
Sexual orientation
Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(a)
Gender
Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(a)
Gender identity
Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(a)
Gender expression
Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(a)
Genetic information
Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(a)
Source of income
Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(a)
Includes federal, state, or local public assistance and Section 8 vouchers.
Veteran or military status
Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(a)
Housing status(added 2024)
Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(a)
Important
This page is a compliance reference, not legal advice. Statute interpretation and enforcement varies. Verify against the current text of cited statutes and consult a licensed attorney for advice on a specific situation.
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