In the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in full effect, and individuals were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This covered the entitlement to fair housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson brought the Fair Housing Act into law. This law prohibited discrimination in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a tremendous victory for the Civil Rights Movement, and it forever altered the face of American living. In the following section, we will look closely at the history of the Fair Housing Act and its effects on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was an immediate reaction to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was going on nationwide. This legislation outlawed discrimination in public places but neglected to tackle discrimination in housing, resulting in many Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Understanding that the federal government had a duty to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan presented legislation 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 signed into law 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 formed the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to remove housing discrimination, foster economic opportunity, and build diverse, welcoming neighborhoods. FHEO is also charged with enforcing the statute.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The effects of the Fair Housing Act were rapid and broad. It allowed minorities into formerly segregated neighborhoods and made it easier for families of all income levels to obtain safe and affordable housing. The act has been recognized for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children residing in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has been altered on numerous occasions since it was first passed. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, widened the definition of “family” to incorporate unmarried partners and people who are disabled 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 aided in developing a more equal and just society by guaranteeing that all people have 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 think that you’ve been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with HUD under the FHEO. You can also get assistance from a local fair housing organization.
Partnering with landlords and property managers who understand and execute fair housing rules is critical to safeguarding your rights. Real Property Management Keystone has a strong history of promoting equitable housing. Browse our listings online for excellent 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.
