Cal. Gov't Code § 12955.6
California Government Code
Operative Text
Nothing in this part shall be construed to afford to the classes protected under this part, fewer rights or remedies than the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-430) and its implementing regulations (24 C.F.R. 100.1 et seq.), or state law relating to fair employment and housing as it existed prior to the effective date of this section. Any state law that purports to require or permit any action that would be an unlawful practice under this part shall to that extent be invalid. This part may be construed to afford greater rights and remedies to an aggrieved person than those afforded by federal law and other state laws.
Cal. Gov't Code § 12955.6 establishes a 'floor, not a ceiling' principle for California fair housing protections: the state's fair housing rules must provide at least as much protection as the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and pre-existing state law, and they may go further. Any other state law that would authorize conduct that California's fair housing rules prohibit is rendered invalid to that extent. The provision ensures that protected classes in California never receive fewer rights under state law than they would under federal fair housing standards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cal. Gov't Code § 12955.6, property owners and managers operating in California must meet or exceed both federal Fair Housing Amendments Act requirements and California's own fair housing standards — whichever set of rules is more protective of residents governs. Compliant operators generally audit their policies against both federal and state standards, recognizing that California law may impose obligations beyond what federal regulations require. Relying solely on federal fair housing compliance is not sufficient to satisfy California's requirements where state law affords broader protections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cal. Gov't Code § 12955.6 means that as a tenant or housing applicant in California, your fair housing rights are at least as strong as those provided by federal law and may be considerably stronger. If a housing practice appears to violate either federal or California fair housing standards, that conduct may be challengeable — the provision explicitly allows California law to afford greater remedies than federal law provides. Tenants who believe their rights have been violated can explore options such as filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, raising a violation as a defense in an eviction proceeding, or contacting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance.
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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