Landlords are forbidden to discriminate against the unemployed

Question: I have been looking for a new apartment to rent. I found a studio apartment listed onCraigslist that sounded great, although the ad said applicants must "be employed." I am unemployed, but I receive Social Security and pension retirement payments. I told the owner that I did not have a job, but that my retirement benefits amounted to more than three times the $900 rent. He said he would rent only to a tenant who was employed.

He then explained that he was having financial troubles and could not afford to lose money on this property. He told me he knew my Social Security and pension benefits could not be garnished if I failed to pay rent. I thought landlords must accept non-employment income. Is there some exception if the landlord is experiencing financial difficulties?

Answer: As you already know, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on a rental applicant's source of income, as long as the applicant can demonstrate the ability to financially qualify. This landlord violated the act because there is no exception for a housing provider's financial stress.