What does the Unruh Act primarily protect homeowners from?

The Unruh Act primarily protects homeowners from discrimination in housing. This California law establishes that all individuals, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, nationality, disability, or other protected characteristics, have the right to equal treatment in housing situations. This extends to the sale or rental of property, ensuring that discriminatory practices are prohibited in various aspects of real estate transactions.

The primary focus of the Unruh Act is to promote fairness and equality in housing, making it illegal for landlords, sellers, or real estate agents to deny housing or impose different terms or conditions based on the aforementioned protected classes. By safeguarding against discrimination, the Unruh Act plays a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive housing market.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the specific purpose of the Unruh Act. Interest rate hikes are related to financial regulations and market conditions, foreclosure procedures pertain to the legal process of reclaiming property, and high financial penalties deal more with monetary aspects of law rather than discrimination. Thus, the emphasis on protecting against discrimination solidifies the Unruh Act's important role in ensuring equitable access to housing for all individuals.