Hudson & Luros, LLP

Both landlords and tenants often misunderstand the laws and rules in California concerning source of income discrimination. The fact that an applicant is a Section 8 voucher recipient cannot be used by the landlord to consider the tenant's ability to pay the full rent, nor can landlords create discriminatory application processes for voucher recipients.

Recently, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California secured a six-figure settlement against a property owner and the management company who had required proof that a Section 8 voucher recipient could afford 2.5 times the monthly rent. This is a clear case of source of income-based housing discrimination, and it made sense that the parties settled the case before it went further.

Feel free to reach out to our firm if you have questions about how to comply with California's landlord tenant laws.

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Your next “friend” request may be from a debt collector…or may be a scammer impersonating one. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau has released updated Fair Debt Collection Practices Act rules and regulations for the modern era, allowing communications with debtors by text, electronic message, and social media platforms on an “opt out” (as opposed to opt-in) basis. As always, be on the lookout for suspicious friend requests and messages.

Debt collectors can now text, email and DM you on social media Officials say the new rules are a necessary update to an outdated law, but consumer advocates worry that borrowers risk missing key information or falling prey to scammers.

Today is the first day that landlords can file small claims actions for unpaid COVID-19 rental debt. Although specific court procedures for these cases are still being considered, one thing we know for sure is that the prior jurisdictional maximums ($5,000 for companies and $10,000 for individuals) will not apply to these cases. There are other requirements, so make sure to review applicable law and/or consult with your attorney.

Did your household earn less than $198,000 last year? If so, and if you have a cable or cell phone bill you use to access the internet (which is almost everyone), the Federal government would like to give you $50/month for your bill and a one time payment of up to $100 for a new device. This $3.2bn benefit is part of the $900bn pandemic relief package passed last year. Click the link below to see if you qualify. Funding is limited, so act now.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program The EBB Program is an FCC program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households

Attending Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California's 2021 (Virtual) Fair Housing Conference. Fair Housing isn't just good business and good policy...it's the law!