Which state agency is responsible for preventing acts of discrimination in housing accommodations due to race, color, religion, national origin, or ancestry in California?

The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the state agency in California specifically tasked with addressing and preventing discrimination in housing based on factors such as race, color, religion, national origin, or ancestry. This agency enforces state laws that promote equal housing opportunities and combat discriminatory practices in the housing market.

DFEH plays a critical role in investigating complaints, facilitating education about housing rights, and ensuring that individuals have access to feel safe and welcome in their living environments. Its jurisdiction includes overseeing compliance with the Fair Employment and Housing Act, which prohibits discriminatory housing practices. Thus, DFEH is key in fostering an equitable and just housing landscape in California.

Other agencies have different focuses; for instance, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) operates on a federal level, handling broader housing policy issues but not specifically tasked with California's state-level discrimination enforcement. The Department of Real Estate primarily oversees the licensure and regulation of real estate professionals, while the Department of Civil Rights often refers to broader civil rights issues rather than being focused solely on housing laws. Therefore, the specific responsibility for preventing discriminatory practices in housing in California lies clearly with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing.