Cal. Civ. Code § 5:11-4.7
Housing discrimination complaints
Operative Text
(a) Whenever an individual is refused replacement housing due to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital or handicapped status, or national origin, the displacing agency shall: 1. Assist such individual in completing the necessary forms in order to file a complaint with the proper Federal and State agencies, unless such individual refuses such aid. 2. File the necessary forms with the proper Federal and State agencies on behalf of such individual unless such aid is refused by the individual. 3. Advise such individual that a complaint may be filed by said individual with proper Federal or State agencies, when such individual refuses said aid. 4. Keep proper records of all complaints filed on behalf of such individuals.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:11-4.7, when a person is denied replacement housing because of characteristics such as race, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, or national origin, the displacing agency is required to take active steps to address that discrimination. Specifically, the agency must help the affected individual file complaints with relevant federal and state agencies, unless the individual declines that help. If assistance is refused, the agency must still inform the individual of their right to file a complaint independently, and must maintain records of all complaints filed on their behalf.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Displacing agencies and property managers operating under N.J.A.C. § 5:11-4.7 are expected to have clear procedures in place for identifying and responding to housing discrimination complaints. A compliant operator assists displaced individuals in preparing and submitting complaint forms to the appropriate federal and state agencies, documents whether the individual accepted or declined that assistance, and maintains thorough records of all complaints filed. Operators also ensure that individuals who decline assistance are still formally notified of their independent right to file a complaint.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:11-4.7 establishes that if you are denied replacement housing on discriminatory grounds, the displacing agency has an affirmative obligation to help you file a complaint with federal and state agencies. Even if you choose to decline the agency's direct assistance, the agency is still required to inform you that you have the right to file a complaint on your own. Tenant-rights organizations and fair housing advocacy groups can help you understand which federal or state agencies handle housing discrimination complaints and what options may be available to you.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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