Fair Housing Policy

Equal Housing Opportunity

A-du is committed to promoting fair housing and equal opportunity for all.

WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, GENDER IDENTITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, FAMILIAL STATUS, DISABILITY, SOURCE OF INCOME, OR ANY OTHER PROTECTED CHARACTERISTIC.

1. Policy Overview and Commitment

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Last Updated: September 24, 2026

A-du, LLC ("A-du") is firmly committed to fair housing principles and equal opportunity in housing. This Fair Housing Policy establishes our commitment to comply with all applicable fair housing laws and to provide a platform where all individuals have equal access to rental housing regardless of protected characteristics.

A-du's Fair Housing Obligations

As a technology platform connecting Landlords and Tenants, A-du has both legal obligations and a moral commitment to fair housing:

• We prohibit discriminatory content in property listings
• We enforce fair housing standards in our Terms of Service
• We provide fair housing training and resources to Members
• We investigate and address fair housing complaints
• We do not tolerate discrimination by any Member
• We cooperate with fair housing enforcement agencies

Important: Landlords' Independent Obligations

While A-du is committed to fair housing, Landlords are independent parties who maintain sole responsibility for their own fair housing compliance. Landlords must understand and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws. A-du provides resources and guidelines, but Landlords are ultimately responsible for their own conduct and legal compliance.

2. Applicable Fair Housing Laws

Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619)

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on:

Protected Classes:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex (including sexual harassment)
• National Origin
• Familial Status (families with children under 18)
• Disability (physical or mental)

Prohibited Actions:

• Refuse to rent or negotiate
• Discriminate in terms or conditions
• Advertise discriminatory preferences
• Falsely deny availability
• Block, steer, or intimidate
• Deny reasonable accommodations for disabilities

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Gov. Code §§ 12900-12996)

California law provides broader protections than federal law. FEHA prohibits discrimination based on:

California Protected Classes (includes all federal classes PLUS):

• Ancestry - Ethnic or national background
• Marital Status - Married, single, divorced, widowed, domestic partnership
• Sexual Orientation - Heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual
• Gender Identity and Gender Expression - Transgender status, gender non-conformity
• Source of Income - Section 8 vouchers, government assistance, other lawful sources
• Genetic Information - Genetic testing or family medical history
• Military or Veteran Status
• Citizenship/Immigration Status (limited protections)
• Primary Language

Source of Income Protection (Critical for California):

California law specifically prohibits discrimination based on source of income, including Section 8 housing vouchers, SSI, SSDI, Veterans benefits, and other government assistance. Landlords CANNOT refuse to rent to tenants solely because they use housing vouchers or government assistance to pay rent. Limited exceptions exist only where voucher program requirements are incompatible with property restrictions.

SB 267 — Alternative Evidence of Ability to Pay for Subsidized Applicants (Cal. Gov. Code § 12955(o))

Effective January 1, 2024, California Senate Bill 267 amended the Fair Employment and Housing Act to prohibit landlords from using an applicant's credit history as part of the rental-decision process where (i) the applicant will be paying rent from a government rent subsidy (e.g., Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, VASH, HUD-VASH, or a state or local subsidy) and (ii) the applicant requests that alternative evidence of reasonable ability to pay the tenant-portion of rent be considered in lieu of credit history.

Where SB 267 applies, the landlord must (a) offer the applicant the opportunity to submit alternative evidence of ability to pay, (b) give reasonable consideration to that evidence, and (c) not charge the applicant a fee to provide the alternative evidence. Acceptable alternative evidence may include, without limitation: government benefit statements, pay stubs or wage statements, bank statements, tax returns, prior rent-payment records, or written references from prior landlords.

On the A-du Platform, a subsidized applicant who wishes to invoke SB 267 may do so by (i) indicating subsidy use on the application and (ii) uploading alternative-evidence documentation through the A-du applicant portal. Landlords using A-du may not condition the rental decision on credit history where the applicant has elected the SB 267 alternative-evidence path, and may not charge the applicant any fee for submitting the alternative evidence. Note: the applicant-portal upload UI path is being delivered in a subsequent release of the A-du Platform (branch `claude/legal-redline-sb267-alt-evidence`); in the interim, subsidized applicants may email alternative evidence to fairhousing@a-du.homes and A-du will route the materials to the Landlord.

Local Fair Housing Ordinances

Los Angeles County and many cities within the county have additional fair housing protections that may include protections based on age, height, weight, personal appearance, political affiliation, or other characteristics. Landlords must comply with all applicable local ordinances in their jurisdiction.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Considerations

While the ADA primarily applies to public accommodations and commercial facilities, Landlords should be aware that they must provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including allowing service animals and emotional support animals (with proper documentation), making reasonable modifications to units, and ensuring accessibility where required.

3. Prohibited Discriminatory Practices

The Following Are ILLEGAL and PROHIBITED on A-du:

1. Discriminatory Advertising and Listings

• Stating or suggesting preferences, limitations, or discrimination based on protected characteristics
• Using language like "no children," "adults only," "perfect for Christians," "ideal for single professional"
• Selecting photos or images that suggest racial, religious, or other preferences
• Describing the neighborhood in ways that suggest preferences (e.g., "great for young professionals" may discourage families)
• Using coded language or symbols that suggest discrimination

2. Discriminatory Tenant Selection

• Refusing to rent or negotiate with individuals based on protected characteristics
• Imposing different terms, conditions, or privileges based on protected characteristics
• Falsely claiming a property is unavailable when it is available
• Applying different qualification standards or screening criteria
• Steering applicants toward or away from certain properties based on protected characteristics
• Charging different rent, deposits, or fees
• Refusing Section 8 vouchers or other lawful sources of income (California)

3. Discriminatory Questions and Inquiries

• Asking about race, color, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics
• Inquiring about familial status ("Do you have children?" "Are you planning to have children?")
• Asking about disabilities, medical conditions, or need for assistance
• Questions about marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity
• Inquiring about immigration status or citizenship beyond what's legally required

4. Refusing Reasonable Accommodations

• Denying requests for service animals or emotional support animals (with proper documentation)
• Refusing to make reasonable modifications for accessibility
• Not providing accessible parking or entry when required
• Denying requests to adjust rules or policies as accommodations for disabilities

5. Harassment and Intimidation

• Making unwelcome sexual advances or requests
• Using slurs, epithets, or derogatory language
• Threatening, coercing, or intimidating based on protected characteristics
• Retaliating against individuals who assert fair housing rights

4. Permissible Tenant Selection Criteria

Landlords MAY use legitimate, non-discriminatory business criteria for tenant selection:

Acceptable Tenant Screening Criteria:

Financial Qualifications:

✓ Income requirements (e.g., 3x monthly rent)
✓ Employment verification
✓ Credit score minimums (applied uniformly)
✓ Credit history review
✓ Bank statements or proof of funds
✓ Payment history verification

Note: Must accept ALL lawful sources of income, including government assistance (California)

Rental History:

✓ Previous landlord references
✓ Eviction history (relevant to tenancy)
✓ Rental payment history
✓ Lease compliance history
✓ Property maintenance history

Background Checks:

✓ Criminal history (must be relevant to tenancy and applied carefully)
✓ Identity verification
✓ Fraud prevention checks

CAUTION: Criminal history screening must comply with California law - see Section 5

Occupancy Standards:

✓ Maximum occupancy limits (based on building codes, not discrimination)
✓ Generally 2 persons per bedroom plus reasonable additional occupants

CAUTION: Cannot use occupancy standards to discriminate against families with children

Critical: Uniform Application Required

All tenant selection criteria MUST be applied uniformly and consistently to all applicants. You cannot apply stricter standards to some applicants based on protected characteristics. Document your criteria in writing and apply them equally.

5. Criminal History Screening - Special California Rules

California's Restrictions on Criminal History Screening

California has significant restrictions on the use of criminal history in housing decisions. Landlords must be extremely careful when considering criminal records:

HUD Guidance on Discriminatory Effects (2016 OGC Memo and 2025 Update):

Blanket criminal history policies (e.g., "no felonies ever") may violate the federal Fair Housing Act because they have a disparate impact on protected classes, as set out in HUD's Office of General Counsel guidance of April 4, 2016 and reaffirmed in HUD's 2025 update to that guidance. HUD's 2025 update emphasizes that housing providers must (i) narrowly tailor criminal-history policies to an identified, substantial, legitimate, non-discriminatory interest, (ii) consider the nature, severity, and recency of the underlying conviction (not arrests), and (iii) conduct an individualized assessment that offers the applicant an opportunity to present mitigating evidence (rehabilitation, community ties, employment, tenancy history).

• Cannot have blanket "no criminal record" policies
• Must consider nature and severity of crime
• Must consider how long ago the crime occurred
• Must consider evidence of rehabilitation
• Must show criminal history is relevant to tenancy and safety
• Must offer the applicant an individualized assessment with the opportunity to submit mitigating evidence before an adverse decision becomes final

California Fair Chance Act Considerations:

The California Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code § 12952) is an employment statute and does not, by its terms, govern housing decisions. Los Angeles County has not enacted a housing-specific Fair Chance Ordinance analogous to the ones adopted in the City of Berkeley (BMC Ch. 13.106), City of Oakland (OMC Ch. 8.25), or City and County of San Francisco (Article 49 of the SF Police Code). Landlords using the A-du Platform in LA County are therefore governed by the federal Fair Housing Act disparate-impact framework, the California FEHA as interpreted by the CRD, and any applicable municipal ordinance where the property is located.

For properties outside LA County — or if LA County or an LA County municipality subsequently enacts a housing Fair Chance ordinance — landlords are responsible for complying with the applicable local ordinance in addition to federal and California law. Landlords should focus criminal-history review only on convictions directly relevant to tenant safety and property protection, and should document the individualized assessment for each adverse decision.

Acceptable Criminal History Policies:

✓ May consider convictions for violent crimes, sexual offenses, or crimes against property within the past 5-7 years
✓ May consider registered sex offender status when relevant to tenant safety
✓ May consider evidence of current drug manufacturing or distribution
✓ Must allow applicants to explain circumstances and provide evidence of rehabilitation
✓ Must document legitimate business reasons for denials based on criminal history

Prohibited Criminal History Practices:

✗ Considering arrests without convictions
✗ Considering sealed, expunged, or pardoned convictions
✗ Considering convictions with no relationship to tenancy
✗ Automatic denials for any criminal record
✗ Considering convictions beyond reasonable timeframes

Recommendation: Consult Legal Counsel

Criminal history screening is a complex area of fair housing law. Landlords should consult with qualified fair housing attorneys before implementing criminal history policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

6. Disability Rights and Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Accommodations

Landlords MUST provide reasonable accommodations (changes to rules, policies, or procedures) for individuals with disabilities when necessary to afford equal opportunity to use and enjoy housing.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations:

• Allowing service animals or emotional support animals despite "no pets" policy
• Assigning accessible parking space close to unit
• Allowing tenant to transfer to ground-floor unit
• Adjusting rent payment schedule for disability-related reasons
• Providing notices in alternative formats (large print, Braille, email)
• Allowing live-in aide or caregiver despite occupancy limits
• Permitting early lease termination due to disability-related need to relocate

Reasonable Modifications

Landlords MUST allow tenants with disabilities to make reasonable modifications to the property at the tenant's expense when necessary for full enjoyment of the premises.

Examples of Reasonable Modifications:

• Installing grab bars in bathroom
• Widening doorways for wheelchair access
• Installing ramps or lowering thresholds
• Modifying kitchen cabinets or counters for wheelchair access
• Installing visual fire alarms for deaf individuals

Note: Landlord may require tenant to restore property to original condition at end of tenancy (reasonable wear and tear excepted) if the modifications would interfere with next tenant's use or enjoyment.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Landlords CANNOT refuse service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs) for individuals with disabilities, even if there is a "no pets" policy. However, proper documentation may be required.

Service Animals:

• Trained to perform specific tasks for person with disability
• No documentation required under ADA (but FHA allows verification of disability and need)
• Typically dogs (sometimes miniature horses)
• Must be under control and housebroken

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs):

• Provide emotional support but not trained for specific tasks
• Documentation required: letter from healthcare provider
• Can be any type of animal
• Must not pose direct threat to health/safety
• Must not cause substantial property damage

Documentation for ESAs:

Landlords may request reliable documentation of disability and disability-related need for the animal. Documentation must be from licensed healthcare provider (doctor, psychiatrist, therapist, etc.) who has treated or evaluated the individual. Cannot charge pet fees, pet deposits, or pet rent for service animals or ESAs.

7. A-du's Enforcement of Fair Housing Standards

How A-du Enforces Fair Housing

Listing Review: We review property listings for discriminatory language and may remove listings that violate fair housing standards
Member Education: We provide fair housing resources, training materials, and best practices to all Members
Complaint Investigation: We investigate complaints of discrimination and take appropriate action
Account Actions: We may suspend or terminate accounts of Members who violate fair housing laws
Cooperation with Authorities: We cooperate with HUD, California DFEH, and other fair housing enforcement agencies
Platform Features: We design platform features to promote fair housing and reduce discrimination

Platform Design Safeguards

Many A-du Landlords live on the same lot as the unit they rent, so A-du shows the public an approximate area rather than the street address, and Landlords share the exact address with Tenants who ask. Because a decision about who may see a unit is a fair housing decision, that feature is built with these safeguards:

Limited profiles before a lease: Landlords see a requesting or applying Tenant's first name and last initial, verification status, and the Tenant's answers about the rental. Surnames, photos, languages, biographies and social profiles, which can reveal protected characteristics, are shown only once a lease is signed.
Fixed, neutral reasons: A Landlord who declines to share an address must choose one of a fixed set of reasons tied to the listing (availability, dates, occupancy, pet policy) or report a safety concern to A-du. A request for a reasonable accommodation may not be declined.
Records and review: A-du keeps a record of every address request, decision and disclosure, reviews patterns across each Landlord's decisions, and may disclose an address to a Tenant when a decline was improper.
Automatic disclosure where it is needed: The address is shared automatically when a Landlord accepts a tour, requests screening, confirms a reservation or sends an invitation, and always before a lease is signed or any screening fee is charged.

Consequences for Fair Housing Violations

Members who violate fair housing laws or A-du's Fair Housing Policy face serious consequences:

A-du Platform Consequences:

• Listing removal
• Account warnings
• Account suspension
• Permanent account termination
• Removal from platform with no refunds

Legal Consequences:

• HUD complaints and investigations
• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) complaints
• Private lawsuits by affected individuals
• Civil penalties up to $16,000 (first violation), $65,000 (subsequent violations) per HUD
• Compensatory and punitive damages
• Attorney's fees and costs
• Injunctive relief and court orders

8. How to Report Fair Housing Violations

Report Discrimination to A-du

If you believe you have experienced discrimination on the A-du Platform:

Contact A-du:

• Email: fairhousing@a-du.homes
• Phone: (325) 518-8918
• Online Report: Available through your account

Include as much detail as possible: Member username, property listing URL, description of discriminatory conduct, dates, screenshots, and any supporting documentation.

Report to Government Agencies

You also have the right to file complaints directly with fair housing enforcement agencies:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

• Online: hud.gov/fairhousing
• Phone: 1-800-669-9777 (toll-free)
• TTY: 1-800-927-9275
• Deadline: File within 1 year of discrimination

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH):

• Online: dfeh.ca.gov
• Phone: 1-800-884-1684 (toll-free)
• Deadline: File within 1 year of discrimination

Local Fair Housing Organizations:

• Housing Rights Center (Los Angeles): 1-800-477-5977
• Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley: (818) 373-1185
• Inquilinos Unidos (Tenants United): (213) 201-0442

Private Legal Action

You may also file a lawsuit in federal or state court within 2 years of the discriminatory act. You may be entitled to compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief. Contact a fair housing attorney for guidance.

9. Fair Housing Resources and Training

A-du provides fair housing resources to help Landlords and Tenants understand their rights and responsibilities:

Available Resources:

• Fair Housing Training Modules (available through your A-du account)
• Acceptable Listing Language Guidelines
• Tenant Screening Best Practices
• Reasonable Accommodation Request Templates
• Fair Housing Law Summaries and FAQs
• Links to Government Fair Housing Resources

Recommended Training:

A-du strongly recommends that all Landlords complete fair housing training. We provide free online training modules and encourage Landlords to seek additional training from qualified fair housing organizations.

This Fair Housing Policy is effective as of January 1, 2026.

Questions about this Fair Housing Policy or fair housing compliance should be directed to:

A-du Fair Housing Contact:

Email: fairhousing@a-du.homes
Phone: (325) 518-8918
Mail: A-du, LLC, Attn: Fair Housing Compliance, [Address], Los Angeles, CA

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

A-du is committed to providing equal access to housing and will not tolerate discrimination.