During the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was actively growing, and people were fighting for equality across all walks of life. One of these privileges was the right to equal housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson enacted the Fair Housing Act into law. This law prohibited discrimination in housing by reason of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was an enormous victory for the Civil Rights Movement and reshaped the face of American living forever. In the following post, we will explore the history of the Fair Housing Act and its impacts on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was enacted due to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the ongoing fight for equality nationwide. That act outlawed discrimination in public places but excluded discrimination in housing, resulting in several Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan acknowledged the federal government’s obligation to address housing inequality by endorsing a law that would 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 proclaimed 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. Additionally, it formed the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to abolish housing discrimination, enhance economic prospects, and cultivate inclusive and varied communities. FHEO is responsible for ensuring compliance with the act.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act had an immediate and multifaceted impact. It opened previously segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to discover safe and affordable housing. The bill has been acknowledged for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for kids residing in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has passed several amendments since its initial implementation. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, diversified the definition of “family” to involve unmarried couples and individuals with medical condition 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 the creation of a more equal and just society by guaranteeing access to safe and affordable housing for all people. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s vital 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 believe you’ve been discriminated against, you can file an appeal to HUD under the FHEO. Assistance is also available from a local fair housing organization.
To safeguard your rights, it is essential to collaborate with landlords and property managers who are knowledgeable about and adhere to fair housing legislation. Equitable living has long been a priority for Real Property Management Ambassadors. Browse our listings online for premium 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.
