In the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was at its pinnacle, and everybody was fighting for equality across all walks of life. The entitlement to fair accommodation was one of these. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law. This ruling prohibited discrimination in housing on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was an invaluable victory for the Civil Rights Movement and lastingly transformed American living. In this section, we will explore in great detail the history of the Fair Housing Act and its impact on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a primary reaction to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was started across the nation. That law outlawed discrimination in public places but failed to get rid of discrimination in housing, leaving numerous Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Realizing that the federal government had to take action to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan put forth a proposal that would promptly 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 adopted by President Lyndon Johnson shortly thereafter.
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 launched the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to prevent housing discrimination, promote economic prospects, and foster varied, inclusive communities. Additionally, the implementation of the act falls within the jurisdiction of FHEO.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act had an immediate and widespread impact. It made it easier for families of all income levels to acquire safe and affordable housing and allowed minorities to live in formerly segregated neighborhoods. The law has been known for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children living in low-income households.
Since its initial enactment, the Fair Housing Act has experienced several revisions. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, widened the definition of “family” to include unmarried partners and individuals with 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 played a role in fostering a more equal and just society by guaranteeing that every person is entitled to safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s imperative to know your rights under the Fair Housing Act. Some of the rights the Fair Housing Act protects are:
- 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 have been discriminated against, you can send an appeal to HUD under the FHEO. If you need help, you can also get in touch with a fair housing organization in your area.
Safeguarding your rights necessitates working together with property managers and landlords who understand and comply with equitable housing regulations. Equitable housing has consistently been a focus for Real Property Management Teague. Browse our listings online for outstanding 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.
