Cal. Civ. Code § 1940.05
California Civil Code
Operative Text
For purposes of this chapter, “immigration or citizenship status” includes a perception that the person has a particular immigration status or citizenship status, or that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, a particular immigration status or citizenship status.
California Civil Code § 1940.05 broadens the meaning of 'immigration or citizenship status' beyond a person's actual documented status. The term covers situations where someone is merely perceived to have a certain status, and it also extends to people who are associated with someone who has or is perceived to have a particular status. This means protections tied to immigration or citizenship status in California housing law can apply even when no one's actual documentation is at issue.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1940.05, compliant operators recognize that housing decisions must not be influenced by assumptions or perceptions about a resident's or applicant's immigration background, nor by their connection to someone who is perceived to have a certain status. Landlords and property managers generally apply this expanded definition when screening applicants, setting terms, or responding to tenant concerns. Keeping consistent, documentation-neutral policies helps ensure that no action is taken based on perceived or associated status.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1940.05 means that California's housing protections related to immigration or citizenship status can cover you even if a landlord is acting on a perception rather than your actual status, or because of your association with someone else. If you believe a housing decision was made based on such a perception or association, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization. Understanding this broader definition can be relevant if you ever need to raise a violation as a defense in an eviction proceeding.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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