Cal. Civ. Code § 8-3-210
Procedure where local fair housing law applicable.
Operative Text
Wherever a local fair housing law provides rights and remedies for alleged discriminatory housing practices which are substantially equivalent, as certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as provided in Section 810 of the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, to the rights and remedies provided under this article, the administrator shall notify the appropriate local agency of any complaint filed which appears to constitute a violation of the local fair housing law, and the administrator shall take no further action with respect to such complaint if the local law enforcement official has, within 30 days from the date the alleged offense was brought to his attention, commenced proceedings in the matter. In no event shall the administrator take further action unless the administrator certifies that, in the administrator’s judgment under the circumstances of the particular case, the protection of the rights of the parties or the interests of justice require such action.
Under O.C.G.A. § 8-3-210, when a local government has a fair housing law that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has certified as substantially equivalent to state protections, the state administrator is required to refer housing discrimination complaints to that local agency rather than handling them directly. If the local enforcement official opens a proceeding within 30 days of being notified, the state steps back and defers to the local process. The state administrator may only re-enter the matter if, in the administrator's judgment, the rights of the parties or the interests of justice require it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in jurisdictions with HUD-certified local fair housing ordinances should be aware that under O.C.G.A. § 8-3-210, a discrimination complaint may be routed to the local agency rather than handled at the state level. Compliant operators generally maintain records and documentation that can be produced in either a local or state proceeding, since the forum may shift depending on local certification status. Understanding which agency has jurisdiction in a given locality helps operators respond appropriately when a complaint is filed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under O.C.G.A. § 8-3-210, tenants who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may find their complaint handled by a local fair housing agency rather than the state, if that locality has a HUD-certified equivalent law. If the local agency does not open proceedings within 30 days, or if justice requires it, the state administrator retains authority to act. Tenants can explore their options by contacting a local fair housing organization, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or a tenant-rights group familiar with both state and local enforcement channels.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation