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• Gov. Code § 12955(a) – Discrimination based on source of income
• Gov. Code § 12955(c) – Discriminatory statements regarding source of income
• Gov. Code § 12955(k) – Denial or unavailability of housing based on income
• Civ. Code § 51 (Unruh Act) – Denial of full and equal accommodations in a business establishment

The lawsuit asserts that rejecting Jefferson’s voucher after she separated from her husband—and after she provided notice of her rights—constitutes a direct violation of California law amended under SB 329:

“[S]ource of income” includes “federal housing assistance vouchers issued under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.” (Gov. Code § 12955(p))

Quotes that Expose Intent

• “We have decided NOT to participate in this program.” – Defendant Garrison’s handwritten note on Jefferson’s door (Complaint ¶ 24)
• “No need to send any more paperwork…” – Email rejecting voucher use (Complaint ¶ 21)

These communications go beyond policy—they could be viewed as evidence of intent to discriminate, forming the factual basis for punitive damages under both FEHA and the Unruh Act.

Why DOJ’s ‘Project Safe Neighborhoods’ Should Be Involved In Protecting Tenants From Abusive Landlords

The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative was redesigned in 2021 to reduce violent crime through community engagement and focused enforcement. According to the DOJ:

“PSN focuses on strategic priorities that prevent violence from occurring in the first place.”

And yet, violent landlords committing felony-level assaults, harassment, and theft remain active in HUD housing programs across the country.

These are not just civil matters. In many cases, including ones I have personally investigated, landlords have been arrested and charged with violent felonies committed against their tenants, yet continue to receive federally subsidized housing payments, even while incarcerated or awaiting trial.

There is no national system of enforcement, no blacklist, no real-time consequence for those who exploit HUD-funded housing programs.

A Nationwide Epidemic of Landlord Abuse

The Jefferson lawsuit echoes themes I’ve documented in prior investigative reports:

• 🧱 Landlord Violence Epidemic Surges Nationwide
• 💼 CA Landlord Charged With Harassment and Fraud
• 🔍 Sacramento Slumlord Case Highlights Systemic Gaps
• 🩸 The Lethal Landlord on Netflix by Jackie Allen

Each of these stories reveals a glaring truth: Landlord abuse and violence is not isolated—it’s systemic.

In the case of Civil Rights Dept. v. Pierce Projects Inc., et al., a jury trial has been demanded, and the case awaits assignment of a judge or judicial officer to preside over the matter. But more than money, this case could finally serve as a catalyst for real federal enforcement mechanisms targeting HUD landlords who harm the very people they are paid to house.