In the latter portion of the 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in full motion, and people were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This encompassed the right to equitable housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson agreed to the Fair Housing Act into law. This bill prohibited discrimination in housing by reason of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This event marked a crucial victory for the Civil Rights Movement, permanently altering the landscape of American living. The following section will review the history of the Fair Housing Act and analyze its impacts on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a direct response to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was happening all over the state. That legislation outlawed discrimination in public places but did not cope with discrimination in housing, resulting in several Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan recognized the federal government‘s accountability to address housing inequality, leading them to propose an act aimed at directly prohibiting 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 by President Lyndon Johnson on that same date.
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. The establishment of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) aimed to remove housing discrimination, promote economic opportunities, and cultivate diverse and inclusive localities. The implementation of the legislation falls under the jurisdiction of FHEO.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The impacts of the Fair Housing Act were both prompt and wide-ranging. It opened formerly segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to find safe and affordable housing. The law has been acknowledged with reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children dwelling in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has been through several revisions since its first passage. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, broadened the definition of “family” to include unmarried couples and individuals with impairments 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. This effort has fostered the creation of a more equal and just society, facilitating access to safe and affordable housing for all individuals. If you’re a renter in the United States, knowing your rights under the Fair Housing Act is important. 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 accusation to HUD under the FHEO. Also, you may contact a local fair housing organization for assistance.
Partnering with landlords and property managers who know about and conform to fair housing regulations is crucial for maintaining your rights. Real Property Management Clarity Central possesses a significant history of commitment to fair housing principles. Browse our listings online for quality 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.
