In the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was fluctuating, and individuals were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This included the entitlement to equitable housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson declared the Fair Housing Act into law. This bill prohibited discrimination in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This marked a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement, permanently changing the landscape of American living. This post delves into the history of the Fair Housing Act and its impact on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a clear reaction to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was happening countrywide. That law outlawed discrimination in public places; however, it failed to deal with the discrimination in housing, leading to various Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Understanding that the federal government had a liability to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan supported legislation 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 turned into law by President Lyndon Johnson on that very 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 created the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to stop housing discrimination, encourage financial opportunity, and cultivate distinct, complete communities. FHEO plays a crucial role in enforcing the act’s provisions.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The outcomes of the Fair Housing Act were rapid and far-reaching. It connected previously segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to find safe and affordable housing. The legislation has been credited with reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for kids from low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act underwent numerous amendments since its initial enactment. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, enlarged the definition of “family” to incorporate unmarried partners and sick individuals 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 helped foster a more equal and just society by offering access to safe and affordable housing for people. 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 send an alert to HUD under the FHEO. Additionally, contacting a fair housing organization can offer you significant support.
Partnering with landlords and property managers who are well-versed in and comply with fair housing rules is crucial for securing your rights. Real Property Management MidTown possesses a distinguished history of commitment to fair housing principles. Browse our listings online for top-notch 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.
