Discrimination in real estate transactions is both unlawful and alarmingly common. Whether subtle or overt, illegal discrimination can profoundly impact a person’s ability to buy, sell, rent, or enjoy the use of real property. At Guiding Legal Counsel, APC, we represent individuals and businesses who have been harmed by discriminatory housing practices, as well as those unfairly accused of violating anti-discrimination laws. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the Unruh Civil Rights Act, the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), and related civil rights protections that apply to housing and real estate transactions.
We assist victims of discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, source of income, and other classifications recognized under California and federal law. We handle cases involving both intentional discrimination (disparate treatment) and policies that have a discriminatory effect (disparate impact), even if they appear neutral on the surface.
Our firm counsels clients who have been denied housing, steered away from certain neighborhoods, subjected to different terms or conditions, harassed by landlords or real estate professionals, or faced retaliatory actions for asserting their fair housing rights. We also represent clients in cases where they were improperly denied reasonable accommodations or modifications due to disability. These situations may arise in residential rental markets, home purchase transactions, mortgage lending, homeowners’ association governance, zoning decisions, or land use restrictions.
On the defense side, we also represent property owners, landlords, brokers, HOAs, and developers who have been accused of discrimination. We understand the immense reputational and financial risks such claims carry, and we help clients comply with applicable civil rights laws, respond appropriately to complaints, and litigate matters when necessary. Many discrimination claims arise not from animus, but from a misunderstanding or failure to adopt adequate compliance protocols. We provide guidance to help clients structure policies and practices that minimize risk while treating all applicants, tenants, or buyers lawfully and fairly.
Our representation in real estate discrimination matters spans pre-litigation dispute resolution, administrative agency complaints (such as those filed with the California Civil Rights Department or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), and civil litigation in state and federal court. We also handle appeals in complex or precedent-setting discrimination matters. We understand the nuances of evidentiary proof in these cases, including the need to establish discriminatory intent or a pattern of conduct through circumstantial evidence, statistical data, or comparator analysis.
If you believe you have been subjected to discriminatory treatment in any real estate-related transaction—or if you are facing allegations of violating anti-discrimination laws—we offer candid, strategic, and informed representation tailored to the high stakes of these disputes. Contact Guiding Legal Counsel, APC, to schedule a consultation and learn how we can protect your rights and interests in these sensitive and often highly charged matters.