Is this statement used to turn down Section 8 really legal?

[Robert Jackson]

HI everyone, 

So I have noticed a trend among some of my fellow property owners here in Los Angeles, California. 

As you may know, it is illegal to deny someone the opportunity to apply for a unit simply because they have section 8 as income. However, I noticed allot of property owners here using this phrase if someone asks if section 8 is accepted: 

"The building is not certified for section 8." 

Is this really a legally tested and legitimate way to deny section 8 voucher holders an opportunity to apply for a unit without breaking the law? To be clear, this tactic, while not saying flat out section 8 is not accepted, has the same outcome: to deny the opportunity to apply. 

By the way, I would never engage in discrimination, but I find it interesting that so many property owners are using this sort of line in an attempt to skirt the law.