DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
Fair Housing Laws Federal (
Fair Housing Act) and State law (
Fair Employment and Housing Act) prohibit discrimination in housing rental, sales and financing on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, natural origin, marital status, disability or familial status. For more information about fair housing laws, download the
Citrus Heights Fair Housing brochure.
Housing Discrimination ComplaintsPersons who believe they have experienced housing discrimination while trying to rent or buy an apartment or home, can file an administrative complaint within one year of the alleged violation with the following enforcement agencies:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)1 (800) 347-3739
How to File a Complaint
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
1 (800) 884-1684
1 (800) 700-2320 [TTY]
How to File a Complaint
In addition, you may also file suit, at your expense, in Federal District Court or State Court within two years of an alleged violation. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint one for you. You may bring suit even after filing a complaint with HUD or DFEH, if you have not signed a conciliation agreement and an Administration Law Judge has not started a hearing. A court may award actual punitive damages and attorney's fees and costs. For more information about how to file a civil suit in State or Federal Court, click here.
Landlord-Tenant Mediation and Counseling Services
The City offers free counseling and mediation services for tenants and landlords willing to work together to resolve disputes not related to fair housing law violations (i.e. housing discrimination cases). Please see below for Sacramento Self-Help Housing's contact information and office hours to take advantage of this complimentary service.
Sacramento Self-Help Housing
(916) 341-0593
Office Hours:
Please call (916) 341-0593 on Monday mornings at 8:30 a.m. to schedule and appointment.
Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
One Stop Career Center
7011 Sylvan Road, Suite A, Citrus Heights 95610
Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
7th Day Adventist Church
4600 Winding Way, Carmichael 95841
Code Enforcement Division
The City's Code Enforcement Division only opens cases when there is a possible City code violation. Individuals responsible for code violations are afforded the opportunity to correct the situation and comply with current codes without penalty. Common housing code violations include: water intrusion, lack of smoke detectors or weather-stripping, extreme unsanitary premises, broken windows, deteriorated fencing, and exposed wiring.
To report a possible code violation, you may file a complaint online, call (916) 727-2845 or e-mail servicerequestnep@citrusheights.net.
Fair Housing Resources
The following resources offer information for tenants and landlords regarding housing discrimination:
California Department of Consumer Affairs
1 (800) 952-5210
A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities
Legal Services of Northern California
1 (916) 551-2150
Local offices
Tenant-Landlord Issues
Housing Laws
Senior Legal Hotline
Rental Housing Association
1 (916) 920-1120
Renter Resources
Landlord Education
California Apartment Association
1 (800) 967-4222
FAQs
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