Fair Chance Ordinance Tenant Notice
Fair Chance Ordinance Tenant Complaint Form
Fair Chance Ordinance Complaint Form Filing Instructions
Fair Chance Ordinance Landlord Notice
Fair Chance Ordinance Landlord Notice (Chinese)/ 致出租物業業主的通知: 案 - 住房公平機會條例
What Does This Mean For Landlords and Tenants?
Housing Providers:
Generally prohibits rental housing providers from screening criminal history of applicants during the advertisement, application, selection, or eviction process.
Housing Applicants:
An easier pathway for residents with criminal records to reintegrate and access housing. A strengthening of tenant rights through legal protection.
Main Exceptions:
- Owner occupied units such as single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units).
- Tenants who seek to add a co-tenant.
- Under certain circumstances, the housing provider may review the State’s lifetime sex offender registry after a conditional offer has been made, the applicant has consented, and been allowed to provide rebutting information.
- HUD funded units are permitted to conduct limited background checks, if required by federal rules, after the applicant has provided consent and been allowed to provide rebutting information.
Enforcement:
- Applicants who believe their rights have been infringed in violation of this ordinance can file a complaint with the City and/or file a lawsuit.
- Tenants who seek to provide housing to (a) close family member(s) with criminal history and are denied can file a complaint with the City and/or file a lawsuit.
Violations:
The City can issue civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. If an action is filed and the plaintiff prevails, a court may award damages, attorneys fees, and penalties.
Contact Information:
City of Oakland, Department of Housing & Community Development 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 238-6182
housingassistance@oaklandca.gov
Posted: April 10th, 2020 2:21 PM
Last Updated: May 7th, 2024 10:28 AM