Understanding Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination is illegal under both federal law (Fair Housing Act, U.S. Code § 3601) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Tenants are protected from experiencing housing discrimination based on:

  • Gender
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Race, color, or national origin
  • Sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Familial status (such as being a parent)

Housing discrimination can play out in various ways, such as:

  • A landlord imposing strict rules on where children are allowed to play
  • A landlord refusing to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities
  • A landlord denying applications or unjustly evicting tenants based on a protected characteristic

A skilled Huntington Beach lawyer could help a tenant file complaints with the appropriate agencies, represent the tenant in negotiations or court, and work to secure a positive legal result.

Common Habitability Issues

California landlords must provide safe and livable housing to their tenants, including maintaining functional utilities and addressing health or safety risks. Even so, some landlords fail to comply, leaving tenants to deal with:

  • Electrical problems
  • Leaking or falling ceilings
  • No access to heat or hot water
  • Sewage backups or plumbing issues
  • Gas leaks or other hazardous conditions
  • Pest infestations (e.g., cockroaches, bed bugs, rodents)

California protects tenants’ rights to habitable living conditions under the implied warranty of habitability, governed by California Civil Code § 1941.1 (2023). If a landlord fails to address habitability issues after proper notification, a tenant has the right to pursue legal action.

A seasoned attorney in Huntington Beach could help tenants understand their rights, navigate complex landlord-tenant disputes, and take legal action to hold negligent landlords accountable.

Relevant Legal Protections

California law offers robust protections for tenants. Key statutes include:

A lawyer in Huntington Beach could guide tenants through these laws, ensuring their rights are upheld in disputes with landlords.

How Our Law Firm Can Help

Housing discrimination is illegal under both federal law (Fair Housing Act, U.S. Code § 3601) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Habitability issues and housing discrimination are stressful enough. Whether you are seeking restored housing, compensation, or another resolution, a Huntington Beach tenant attorney could help determine any legal obligations a landlord has not met, negotiate on your behalf, and take action to enforce your rights.

A clear understanding of federal, state, and local housing laws is advantageous in being able to enforce housing rights and receive fair compensation for harm or discrimination you have experienced. Our legal team at Elder & Spencer, LLP is experienced in addressing habitability issues. From pest infestations to utility problems like gas leaks, we could take action to ensure proper living situations are rectified. Our accomplished lawyers could also handle communication, negotiations with uncooperative or aggressive landlords, and legal action in court.

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Huntington Beach Tenant Lawyer

Living in unsafe or unfair housing conditions is unjust. Whether you are dealing with pests, faulty utilities, or discriminatory rules, you deserve better. Tenant’s rights are protected under California law, but standing up to your landlord or property manager may feel intimidating and overwhelming. That is where a Huntington Beach tenant lawyer could help.

At Elder & Spencer, LLP, we specialize in fighting for tenants’ rights. We ensure that landlords and property managers treat their tenants fairly and meet their legal obligations. If you are dealing with inhabitable housing or believe you have experienced housing discrimination, we are here to provide guidance, advocate for you, and secure the resolution you deserve.

Meet Our Team

Partner
Margaret Elder
Partner
Chandra Gehri Spencer
Of Counsel
David Elder
lawyer
Of Counsel
Lanetta Rinehart
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Contact a Tenant Attorney in Huntington Beach Today

Enduring unfair or unsafe housing conditions can feel isolating and defeating, but you do not have to face it on your own. At Elder & Spencer, LLP, we are committed to protecting tenants’ rights.

Contact a Huntington Beach tenant lawyer today to discuss your situation and explore the best path forward. Together, we could hold landlords accountable and protect your housing rights.

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What Our Clients Say About Us

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Thank you for winning my case I appreciate your help

Monique G.

They where awesome very nice people and got us way more money then we thought we was going to get. But they was with us every step of the way. They even let us barrow money to help pay are bills so if I could I would give them a 10* rating if ever you need a awesome lawyer call elder she is the bomb

Rashelle M.

This is a great law firm. They help tenants when living in Situations were the Environment is not the best. They heard what we had to say and they helped. In the end we got the justice we were hoping to get. They fought for us and we are so grateful.

Kassandra B.
$Ten million dollars 
obtained for clients over the past 20 years

Serving All of California

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