Cal. Gov't Code § 12955.3
California Government Code
Operative Text
For purposes of this part, “disability” includes, but is not limited to, any physical or mental disability as defined in Section 12926.
California Government Code § 12955.3 establishes that the term 'disability,' as used in the state's fair housing provisions, carries a broad meaning that extends at least as far as the definition found in Section 12926, which covers a wide range of physical and mental conditions. The phrase 'includes, but is not limited to' signals that the category is not exhaustively defined by that cross-referenced section alone. This expansive scope means that fair housing protections related to disability can apply to a wider set of conditions than a narrow reading might suggest.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cal. Gov't Code § 12955.3, property owners and managers operating under California's fair housing framework generally apply a broad understanding of what qualifies as a disability when evaluating accommodation requests or rental decisions. Compliant operators typically avoid limiting their consideration of disability-related requests only to conditions that fit a narrow or intuitive definition, since the statute explicitly leaves the category open-ended. Familiarity with the cross-referenced definition in Section 12926, as well as the broader scope signaled by § 12955.3, is a common feature of well-informed housing management practices.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cal. Gov't Code § 12955.3 means that California's fair housing protections for people with disabilities are not confined to a rigid checklist of qualifying conditions — the definition is intentionally broad and open-ended. If a housing provider has denied a request or taken an adverse action on the basis of a physical or mental condition, the wide scope of 'disability' under this provision may be relevant to whether protections apply. Tenants who believe their condition was not properly recognized can explore options such as filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, raising the issue before a local rent board if one has jurisdiction, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general information.
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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