In the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in full motion, and citizens were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This involved 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 memorable victory for the Civil Rights Movement and transformed the appearance of American living eternally. The following post will analyze the history of the Fair Housing Act and its impacts on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a direct answer to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was happening nationwide. That statute outlawed discrimination in public places but did not remove discrimination in housing, resulting in many Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Comprehending that the federal government had a commitment to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan proposed a law that would immediately 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 approved 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 created the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to get rid of housing discrimination, increase job growth, and cultivate diverse, welcoming societies. FHEO is assigned to execute the law.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The impacts of the Fair Housing Act were instantaneous and wide-ranging. It integrated previously segregated neighborhoods into minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to locate safe and affordable housing. The law has been known for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children from low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has encountered many modifications since its first approval. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, developed the definition of “family” to involve unmarried couples and people with illness 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 enabled the creation of a more equal and just society by offering people access to safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s critical 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 feel like you’ve been discriminated against, you can file an appeal to HUD under the FHEO. Moreover, you can engage with a local fair housing organization for guidance.
Teaming up with landlords and property managers who are savvy about and comply with fair housing regulations is crucial for protecting your rights. Real Property Management Verita has a deep commitment to equitable housing practices. Browse our listings online for exceptional 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.
