Two Sacramento landlords will pay a $42,500 settlement after California sued them for allegedly discriminating against a tenant who used a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. The state’s Civil Rights Department said the landlords also retaliated and harassed the tenant when she tried to assert her legal rights regarding utility payments.
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Lawsuit Filed in 2022
The California Civil Rights Department filed the lawsuit against landlords Carlos and Linda Torres in 2022. According to the department’s recent news release, the landlords allegedly discriminated against the tenant based on her race, disability, and use of a Housing Choice Voucher, commonly known as Section 8.
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Alleged Bias and Harassment
The state claimed the landlords did not just discriminate but also harassed the tenant when she tried to stand up for her rights. The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, which manages the voucher program, told the tenant she should not be paying extra for utilities each month.
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Utility Payment Dispute
In 2022, the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency informed the tenant that the $150 monthly utility payment was unnecessary. The agency clarified that utilities were already covered by the money paid directly to the landlords through the voucher program.
Retaliation Against Tenant
After the tenant told Carlos and Linda Torres she would no longer pay the additional utility fee, they allegedly responded with “racial slurs, derogatory remarks and unlawful threats of eviction,” according to the Civil Rights Department’s statement.
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State Agency’s Response
In its announcement, the Civil Rights Department emphasized its commitment to enforcing fair housing laws. The agency said landlords cannot charge voucher holders extra fees beyond what is covered in the contract or retaliate when tenants assert their rights.
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Landlords Agree to Settle
To resolve the allegations, Carlos and Linda Torres agreed to pay a settlement of $42,500 to the tenant. The settlement aims to address the emotional distress and the harm caused by the alleged discrimination and harassment.
Fair Housing Enforcement
The Civil Rights Department continues to encourage tenants to report any discriminatory practices. The settlement serves as a reminder that landlords must comply with state and federal fair housing laws protecting tenants using Housing Choice Vouchers.
