Oakland bans landlords from conducting criminal background checks on potential renters

OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - Landlords in Oakland are now banned from asking potential tenants about their criminal history after a unanimous vote by city council. 

City leaders agreed to advance the "Fair Chance Housing Ordinance" which prohibits landlords from rejecting a prospective tenant from an apartment because of a criminal conviction.

The ordinance does not apply to in-law units, single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes. 

Berkeley City Council is also expected to vote on a similar measure next month.