Fair Housing

Equal access to housing is everyone's right and if you believe you have been denied access to housing, the Federal Government provides resources to help.  As a recipient of federal funds to administer housing and community development programs, the City of San Marcos must affirmatively further fair housing. 

Legal Aid Society

The City of San Marcos has contracted with the Legal Aid Society to provide fair housing services for San Marcos residents at no cost. They help tenants and home buyers identify if they have been discriminated against. They also counsel property owners and managers on fair housing-related issues. 

If you think you are a victim of housing-related discrimination or would like more information about fair housing, call:

844-449-3500
760-722-1935

Legal Aid Society Fair Housing Brochure (English) (PDF, 210KB)       
Legal Aid Society Fair Housing Brochure (Spanish)(PDF, 858KB)

Rights and responsibilities

Federal and State Housing Laws prohibit discrimination in the sale or rental of housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, disability, sexual preference, source of income, families with children or any arbitrary class status. Property owners, landlords and their agents can all be held legally responsible for discriminatory actions. Tenants or prospective home buyers have the right to be treated equally and fairly.

If a housing provider refuses to rent or sell a home, offers unequal terms, quotes different prices, or applies different policies based on any of the protected classes listed above, they are violating federal and state law. 

A landlord may take into consideration income, credit rating or any other pertinent information that directly relates to a prospective tenant’s ability and willingness to pay rent. However, prospective tenants have the right to request and receive a reason when they are denied housing and may file a private civil lawsuit anytime within two years of an alleged discrimination incident.

Make a complaint 

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
800-884-1684
800-233-3212  

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Housing Discrimination Hotline
800-669-9777

Analysis of impediments to fair housing

The city is required to complete an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice every five years as a recipient of federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

  • The review identifies impediments or barriers that affect the rights of fair housing choice.
  • The report provides a demographic profile of the county, assesses housing needs of specific income groups, and evaluates housing opportunities available for residents.
  • While this report assesses the nature and extent of housing discrimination, it also focuses on developing solutions to mitigate or remove such impediments. 
  • The City of San Marcos is one of 13 jurisdictional members of the San Diego Regional Alliance for Fair Housing  that participate in the completion of a regional analysis in addition to promoting fair housing choice in the region. 

San Diego Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice 2020 (PDF, 9MB)
Printed copy is available for review upon request.  

Equal Housing OpportunityThe City of San Marcos is committed to providing equal housing opportunity for all people regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, familial status or any other protected class under Federal and State Law. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, or have any questions about fair housing, please contact Legal Aid Society of San Diego at (844) 449-3500. You may also contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Fair Housing hotline (800) 669-9777.

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