Fair Housing

The City of Oxnard and the Oxnard Housing Authority are committed to ensuring equal access to housing and services. No one may be discriminated against on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability, family status, age, ancestry or membership in any legally protected class.

Numerous federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in housing. The key laws are the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In addition, as a recipient of federal funds, the City is required to take certain steps to affirmatively further fair housing.

In order to ensure non-discrimination in housing, the City contracts with the Housing Rights Center (HRC), a professional fair housing service organization. The HRC can investigate claims of unlawful discrimination and act on behalf of individuals who have been the victims of discrimination. The HRC hotline is 800-477-5977; services are available in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Armenian, and Russian. The HRC also provides free seminars in Oxnard on Fair Housing twice a year. The HRC website is www.housingrightscenter.org.

If you believe that you have been a victim of discrimination in housing, please call the HRC at 1-800-477-5977 Services are confidential and are provided free of charge.

If your tenant association, homeowners association, condo association, or property management company would like a presentation on fair housing, please be advised that the HRC can provide customized presentations; contact the City’s Fair Housing Officer, Karl Lawosn, at 805-385-8095 or karl.lawson@oxnard.org for more information.

In 2015, the City participated in a regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, which was adopted by the City Council in May of 2015. That report can be accessed on the link below Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing.

The City of Oxnard’s Community Relations Commission, a seven-member Citizen Advisory Group appointed by City Council, has a Fair Housing subcommittee which works closely with City staff on any matters involving discrimination. Community Relations Commission.

Updated literature from Housing Rights Center

CA Tenant Protection Act – updated to reflect a new maximum rent increase of 10%
Source of income and Section 8 discrimination
Military/veteran status discrimination
Sex and gender discrimination in homeless shelters
HRC’s Fair Housing Certification Training for property owners and managers
CA COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Program – resending for convenience