In the course of the 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. People were fighting for equality across all walks of life as the Civil Rights Movement was in full motion. This incorporated the right to fair housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law. This decree prohibited discrimination in housing in regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a historic victory for the Civil Rights Movement and forever influenced the face of American living. This post will talk about the history of the Fair Housing Act and its effects on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a direct reaction to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was in progress all over the country. That ruling outlawed discrimination in public places but overlooked discrimination in housing, leaving many Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
In recognition of the federal government’s obligation to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan presented legislation that would clearly 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 approved 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. Moreover, it created the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to eradicate housing discrimination, promote growth in the economy, and establish diverse, inclusive communities. The enforcement of the legislation is also the responsibility of FHEO.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The impacts of the Fair Housing Act were immediate and extensive. It opened previously segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to look for safe and affordable housing. The regulation has been linked with reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children residing in low-income households.
Several amendments have been made to the Fair Housing Act since its initial passage. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, amended the definition of “family” to incorporate 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 helped create a more equal and just society by ensuring that everybody can have access to 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. The following are some of the rights the Fair Housing Act protects:
- 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 file a report to HUD under the FHEO. In addition, you can approach a fair housing organization in your vicinity for assistance.
Working with landlords and property managers who are familiar with and respect fair housing laws is crucial for defending your rights. There is a longstanding tradition of Real Property Management Unlimited‘s dedication to equitable housing. Browse our listings online for high-quality 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.
