In the final years of the 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in full progress, and people were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This included the right to unbiased housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson approved the Fair Housing Act into law. This law prohibited discrimination in housing by reason of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement and forever influenced the face of American living. In this post, we will analyze the history of the Fair Housing Act and its impact on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a direct reaction to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was taking place nationwide. That bill outlawed discrimination in public places but failed to take on discrimination in housing, leading to several Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Seeing the federal government’s obligation to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan proposed legislation that would explicitly 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 implemented 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 constituted the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to stamp out housing discrimination, promote financial freedom, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities. The FHEO is also responsible for administering the law.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The impact of the Fair Housing Act was immediate and substantial. It unlocked previously 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 for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children residing in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has experienced several amendments since its first passage. The most recent amendment passed in 1988, widened the definition of “family” to embrace unmarried couples and persons with health issues 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 led to the founding of a more equal and just society by ensuring all individuals can acquire safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it is a good idea 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 seem like you’ve been discriminated against, you can file an action to HUD under the FHEO. You may also speak to a fair housing organization in your locality for guidance.
Connecting with landlords and property managers who comprehend and comply with fair housing legislation is essential for protecting your rights. Real Property Management Bay State West possesses a distinguished history of commitment to 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.
