Cypress contracts with the Fair Housing Council of Orange County to provide fair housing outreach and enforcement services within the City. If you are experiencing discrimination in your search for housing, contact the Fair Housing Council at 714-569-0823 or visit fairhousingoc.org.

What is Fair Housing?

Fair Housing means the right to live where you choose without fear of discrimination based on your personal characteristics. Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on the following protected characteristics: race; color; religion; gender; national origin; familial status (families with minor children); physical and/or mental disability; sexual orientation; marital status; ancestry; age; source of income; gender identity/expression; genetic information; or other arbitrary basis.

Examples of Housing Discrimination

• Refusal to rent or sell housing to someone because of any of the protected characteristics listed above.
• Refusal to rent a second floor apartment to a family with children or prohibiting children from being outside in common areas.
• Advertisements that express or suggest a rental preference (i.e., “ideal for single professionals”).
• Refusal to allow a tenant with disabilities to have a service animal reside with them in their unit.

Source of Income Protection

Effective January 1, 2020, rejecting a potential tenant based on their participation in a rental assistance program is considered a form of housing discrimination pursuant to the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). All landlords in California are required to accept Section 8, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, and other forms of rental assistance and consider them as part of an applicant’s income. Landlords should not include phrases such as, “We do not participate in Section 8” on advertisements for rental units.

Source of Income FAQ – CA Department of Fair Employment and Housing

Reasonable Accommodations 

The City's reasonable accommodation procedure provides flexibility in zoning and building regulations to ensure equal access to housing for persons with disabilities. A reasonable accommodation may be granted to waive or modify zoning regulations, building code provisions, or other land use regulations, policies, or procedures. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Reasonable Accommodation Handout and Supplemental Application

Fair Housing Resources from the Department of Fair Employment and Housing

General Information

Information for Landlords