FILING A COMPLAINT WITH DFEH

EMPLOYMENT:

If you believe you have been the victim of illegal job discrimination or harassment (for example, discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, disability, religion, etc.), the first step in the process is to make an appointment for an interview in one of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing’s (DFEH) employment offices located throughout the state. The first point of contact is by calling the Department’s Communication Center at 1-800-884-1684 (within California), 1-916-478-7200 (outside California), or TTY 1-800-700-2320 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. You may also make an appointment online day or night by using the Department’s "Online Appointment System." The system will guide you through questions to determine whether an appointment is right for you.

Once an appointment is made, you will be interviewed either over the telephone or in-person at one of the DFEH District Offices. Prior to the appointment, you will fill out a “Pre-Complaint Questionnaire” which will be sent to you after your appointment is made. You must bring this questionnaire with you to your appointment or, if you have a telephone interview, mail it to the office prior to the appointment. You will be interviewed by a “Consultant” (Investigator) who will determine if the information presented has the elements such that, if proven, would constitute a violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the law enforced by DFEH.

If a complaint is taken, it will be written up and signed by you. The complaint will be sent to your employer along with a request for information that will assist your Consultant in determining the merits of the case, thus beginning the investigative process.
Review Employment Complaint Process and Flowchart

UNRUH and RALPH CIVIL RIGHTS ACT:

If you believe you have been discriminated against in a business establishment or have been denied access to a business or public facility because of illegal discrimination (such as race, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion, etc.), you may file a complaint under the Unruh Civil Rights Act. If you believe you have suffered acts or threats of hate violence because of similar bases, you should contact the Department’s Communication Center at 1-800-884-1684 (within California), 1-916-478-7200 (outside California), or TTY 1-800-700-2320 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Appointments for Unruh and Ralph Acts cases cannot be made through the Web site. The interview process, however, is much the same as for employment complaints.

HOUSING:

If you believe you have been unlawfully discriminated against in the sale, rental, or financing of housing, you should contact the Department’s Housing Unit at 1-800-233-3212 (within California), 1-520-622-2945 (outside California), or TTY 1-800-700-2320. If a representative determines the matter falls within the Department’s jurisdiction, you will be sent a “Pre-Complaint Questionnaire” which must be filled out and returned to the Housing Unit. An interview will be made for you once the questionnaire is returned. All housing interviews are conducted by telephone. The Consultant will determine if the information presented has the elements such that if proven, would constitute a violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the law enforced by DFEH.

If a complaint is taken, it will be written up and signed by you. The complaint will be sent to the owner, property manager, or other responsible party along with a request for information that will assist your Consultant in determining the merits of the case, thus beginning the investigative process.
Review Housing Complaint Process and Flowchart

IF A COMPLAINT IS NOT TAKEN:

Many persons believe they have been treated unfairly or harassed in employment opportunities, in renting or purchasing a home, or in receiving service in a business establishment. The Department can accept cases only based on possible violations of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the Unruh Civil Rights Act, or the Ralph Civil Rights Act. Should your complaint not be taken, it is not that DFEH does not believe you were treated unfairly. Rather it is because your complaint, if proven, would not constitute a violation of the laws enforced by the Department. At your interview you will be given options available to you if a complaint is not taken by DFEH.