In the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in full motion, and individuals were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This addressed the right to equitable housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson declares the Fair Housing Act into law. This statute prohibited discrimination in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a remarkable victory for the Civil Rights Movement, and it permanently transformed the landscape of American living. In the upcoming segment, we will examine in detail the history of the Fair Housing Act and its effects on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a clear response to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was taking place across the nation. This bill outlawed discrimination in public places but failed to solve the discrimination in housing, leading to numerous Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Understanding that the federal government had a role to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan created 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 endorsed by President Lyndon Johnson on a similar 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 eliminate housing discrimination, promote economic prospects, and create inclusive, inviting communities. FHEO is likewise tasked with upholding the law.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The impacts of the Fair Housing Act were rapid and profound. It permitted minorities into previously segregated neighborhoods and made it easier for families of all income levels to obtain safe and affordable housing. The act has been acknowledged for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children residing in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has been modified multiple times since its initial enactment. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, developed the definition of “family” to incorporate unmarried partners and individuals with ailments 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 fostering a more equal and just society by ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s imperative 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 suspect that you’ve been discriminated against, you can submit a grievance to HUD under the FHEO. Support is also available from a nearby fair housing organization.
Partnering with landlords and property managers who comprehend and implement equitable housing regulations is essential to defending your rights. Real Property Management Peace has a solid track record of advocating for fair housing. Browse our listings online for excellent 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.
