During the final years of the 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was underway, and everyone was fighting for equality across all walks of life. Included in this was the entitlement to fair accommodation. The Fair Housing Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on April 11, 1968. This rule prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a massive victory for the Civil Rights Movement and transformed every aspect of American living permanently. This article will talk about the history of the Fair Housing Act and its influence on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
An immediate response to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the nationwide fight for equality, the Fair Housing Act was passed. Even though that rule outlawed discrimination in public places, it failed to abolish discrimination in housing, which resulted in many Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Accepting that the federal government had an obligation to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan suggested an act that would completely 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 declared into law 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. Moreover, it developed the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to combat housing discrimination, foster financial opportunity, and cultivate inclusive, varied communities. The act’s implementation is another duty of FHEO.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act‘s influence was extensive and immediate. It opened formerly segregated neighborhoods to sectors and made it easier for families of all income levels to locate safe and affordable housing. The law has been acknowledged for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children living in low-income households.
Since its initial passing, the Fair Housing Act has experienced numerous amendments. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, developed the definition of “family” to encompass unmarried partners and persons 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. Since it has made safe and affordable housing accessible for all, it has contributed to the creation of a more equal and just society. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s critical to know your rights under the Fair Housing Act. The following are some of the rights the Fair Housing Act protects:
- 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 find an accusation with HUD under the FHEO. An alternative is to seek help from a local fair housing organization.
In order to protect your rights, you must collaborate with property managers who are familiar with and abide by fair housing law. For several years, Real Property Management Sugarland has been devoted to providing equitable housing. Browse our listings online for high-quality 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.
