Cal. Civ. Code § 953
Right to Freedom from Discrimination in Employment, Housing and Public Accommodation
Operative Text
The opportunity for an individual to obtain employment for which he is qualified, and to obtain all the accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of any public accommodation and of any housing accommodation and commercial property without discrimination because of race, color, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, handicap or disability, age, sex, national origin, the use of a guide or support animal because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals is hereby recognized as and declared to be a civil right which shall be enforceable as set forth in this act.
Pennsylvania law under 43 P.S. § 953 establishes that access to housing accommodations and commercial property free from discrimination is a recognized civil right. The provision prohibits differential treatment based on a broad list of characteristics, including race, color, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, disability or handicap, age, sex, national origin, and the use of guide or support animals. This right is enforceable through the mechanisms set out in the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 43 P.S. § 953, property owners and managers are generally expected to apply consistent, non-discriminatory standards across all aspects of housing — including advertising, tenant screening, lease terms, and access to amenities. Compliant operators typically ensure that policies do not single out individuals based on any of the protected characteristics listed in the provision, including familial status, disability, and the use of guide or support animals. Reviewing internal policies and staff practices against the full list of protected classes in § 953 is a common step taken by operators seeking to remain in compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
43 P.S. § 953 declares that access to housing free from discrimination is a civil right in Pennsylvania, covering characteristics such as race, sex, disability, familial status, and the use of guide or support animals, among others. Tenants who believe they have experienced discriminatory treatment in housing may have the option of filing a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, which is the state body charged with enforcing the act. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can provide general information about the complaint process and the range of remedies available under this provision.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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