In the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was at its peak, and individuals were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This involved the right to fair housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson approved the Fair Housing Act into law. This rule prohibited discrimination in housing due to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a substantial victory for the Civil Rights Movement and transformed the face of American living for all time. In this post, we will look more closely at the history of the Fair Housing Act and its influences on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act emerged as an immediate response to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was occurring across the state. That law outlawed discrimination in public places but failed to get rid of discrimination in housing, leading to several Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Recognizing that the federal government had a duty to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan introduced 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 accepted 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 founded the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to eradicate housing discrimination, encourage economic opportunity, and attain diverse, inclusive societies. FHEO is also accountable for imposing the law.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The influences of the Fair Housing Act were swift and wide-ranging. It allowed previously segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to find safe and affordable housing. The regulation has been credited with reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children from low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has experienced multiple amendments since its initial endorsement. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, broadened the definition of “family” to cover unmarried couples and people with incapacities 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 development of a more equal and just society by ensuring that all individuals have access to 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 feel like you’ve been discriminated against, you can file a report to HUD under the FHEO. You can also communicate with a fair housing organization in your locality for help.
Collaborating with landlords and property managers who are familiar with and obey the fair housing laws is critical to protecting your privileges. Real Property Management Faith has a long history of obligation to equitable housing. Browse our listings online for exceptional 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.
