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 prevalent nationwide. That legislation outlawed discrimination in public places but did not deal with discrimination in housing, resulting in numerous Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan identified the federal government‘s obligation to address housing inequality, leading them to sponsor an act aimed at explicitly 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 endorsed into law 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 creation of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) aimed to address housing discrimination, enhance economic opportunities, and foster diverse and inclusive communities. The enforcement of the act falls under the jurisdiction of FHEO.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The impacts of the Fair Housing Act were both prompt and extensive. It opened 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 recognized with reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children living in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has undergone multiple amendments since its initial enactment. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, broadened the definition of “family” to encompass unmarried couples and individuals with disabilities 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 initiative has contributed to the establishment of a more equal and just society, facilitating access to safe and affordable housing for all people. If you’re a renter in the United States, knowing your rights under the Fair Housing Act is crucial. 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 submit a report to HUD under the FHEO. It is advisable to reach out to fair housing organizations in your area for guidance.
Engaging with landlords and property managers who understand and comply with fair housing laws is important to protecting your rights. Real Property Management Steel City has a substantial track record of dedication to equitable housing practices. Browse our listings online for quality rental homes.
Originally Published on October 15, 2022