In the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in full motion, with individuals fighting for equality across all walks of life. This encompassed the right to equitable housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson passed the Fair Housing Act into law. This law prohibited discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a momentous victory for the Civil Rights Movement and altered the nature of American living permanently. In this post, we will discuss the history of the Fair Housing Act and its impact 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 happening throughout the country. That law outlawed discrimination in public places but failed to tackle discrimination in housing, leaving several Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Acknowledging that the federal government had an accountability to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan introduced 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 signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson that 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 established the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to get rid of housing discrimination, encourage economic growth, and foster diverse, inclusive neighborhoods. FHEO is also in charge of implementing the act.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The impact of the Fair Housing Act was rapid and extensive. It opened previously segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to locate 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 changed multiple times since its first introduction. The most recent amendment passed in 1988, broadened the definition of “family” to encompass unmarried couples and individuals who have 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. It has assisted in establishing a more equal and just society by guaranteeing everyone can access safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s important 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 believe you’ve been discriminated against, you can submit a complaint with HUD under the FHEO. You can also seek assistance from your local fair housing organization.
Dealing with landlords and property managers who understand and enforce fair housing legislation is critical for preserving your rights. Real Property Management Summit has an extensive record of supporting fair housing. 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.
