According to this advocacy site:
Quote Quoting Overcoming Discrimination Against People with Criminal Records
California releases nearly 285,000 people from probation and state prison each year. Once released, people with felony records find it next to impossible to secure housing, find a job, get drug treatment, or access public assistance. Discrimination against people who have been in prison is a widespread, day-to-day roadblock for people attempting to re-enter their communities—and it’s legal.
Under some circumstances, though, it might be worth investigating if the supposed discrimination on the basis of a criminal record is in fact a subterfuge for racial discrimination.

How are your landlords finding out about your conviction?