In the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was really active, and folks were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This involved the right to fair housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson passed the Fair Housing Act into law. This decree prohibited discrimination in housing according to their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a crucial victory for the Civil Rights Movement and changed the face of American living in lasting ways. In this post, we’ll explore the history of the Fair Housing Act and how it has impacted American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act came about as a direct response to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality happening all over the country. That act outlawed discrimination in public places but didn’t tackle discrimination in housing, leaving many Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Understanding that the federal government had an accountability to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan sponsored a law that would specifically prohibit housing discrimination. On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. The Fair Housing Act was passed by Congress on April 11, 1968, and was turned into law by President Lyndon Johnson on the same day.
The Fair Housing Act addressed housing inequality by making it illegal to discriminate against renters based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also formed the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to get rid of housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and accomplish diverse, wide-ranging communities. FHEO is also in charge of making sure the act is followed.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The impacts of the Fair Housing Act were immediate and comprehensive. It brought previously segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to find safe and affordable housing. The law has been recognized with reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children living in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has seen several amendments since it was first passed. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, expanded the definition of “family” to embrace unmarried couples and individuals with disabilities and strengthened the act’s enforcement provisions.
The Fair Housing Act and You
The Fair Housing Act is one of American history’s most important pieces of legislation. It has contributed to building a more equal and just society by making sure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s important to know your rights under the Fair Housing Act. Some of the rights the Fair Housing Act protects include:
- The right to choose a housing option without discrimination
- The right to live in a safe and decent housing environment
- The right to fair treatment during the housing search process
- The right to not be denied housing based on your income
If you feel like you’ve been discriminated against, you can reach out to HUD under the FHEO to file a complaint. If you need assistance, feel free to reach out to a fair housing organization in your area.
It’s really important to team up with landlords and property managers who understand and adhere to fair housing laws to help safeguard your rights. Real Property Management Solutions has a wonderful history of dedication to fair housing. Browse our listings online for some great rental homes.
Originally Published on October 15, 2022
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
