In the latter part of the1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, and people were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This included having the privilege of fair accommodation. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law. This legislation prohibited discrimination in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a huge victory for the Civil Rights Movement and permanently altered the face of American living. This article will look more closely at 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 all over the country. That statute outlawed discrimination in public places but failed to end discrimination in housing, resulting in numerous Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Acknowledging that the federal government had an obligation to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan created legislation to directly 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 declared 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 established the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to remove housing discrimination, promote economic prospects, and nurture varied, inclusive communities. FHEO is also responsible for upholding the laws.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The results of the Fair Housing Act were rapid and extensive. It connected previously segregated neighborhoods into minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to find safe and affordable housing. The legislation has been acknowledged for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children living in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has experienced several revisions since its original implementation. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, widened the definition of “family” to include unmarried couples and people with impairments 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 enabled the creation of a more equal and just society by ensuring that all individuals can obtain safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s crucial 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 think you’ve been discriminated against, you can file a grievance with HUD under the FHEO. Also, you may reach out to a local fair housing organization for help.
Working with landlords and property managers who are well-versed in and comply with fair housing regulations is vital to preserving your rights. Real Property Management Trustworthy has a deep commitment to fair housing practices. Browse our listings online for premium 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.
