During the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in full motion, and people were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This encompassed the entitlement to unbiassed housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law. This decree prohibited discrimination in housing due to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a monumental victory for the Civil Rights Movement and changed the face of American living indefinitely. In this article, we will examine the history of the Fair Housing Act and its impact on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a direct response to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was occurring nationwide. That rule outlawed discrimination in public places but did not deal with discrimination in housing, leaving several Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Comprehending that the federal government had an obligation to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan backed an act that would explicitly 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 signed 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 created the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to exterminate housing discrimination, endorse economic opportunity, and attain diverse, inclusive societies. FHEO is likewise tasked with enforcing the act.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The influence of the Fair Housing Act was instant and far-reaching. It unlocked 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 for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children residing in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has undergone multiple revisions since its initial enactment. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, expanded the definition of “family” to incorporate unmarried couples and persons with ill health 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 helped create a more equal and just society by ensuring everyone can access safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s essential 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 submit a grievance to HUD under the FHEO. You may also reach out to a fair housing organization in your locality for assistance.
Working with landlords and property managers who understand and adhere to fair housing regulations is crucial for safeguarding your rights. Real Property Management Resources has a rich legacy of dedication to equitable housing. Browse our listings online for excellent rental homes.
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.
