During the second half of the1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. Everyone was fighting for equality across all walks of life during the full swing of the Civil Rights Movement. This included the right to fair accommodation. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson passed the Fair Housing Act into law. This legislation prohibited discrimination in housing according to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a huge victory for the Civil Rights Movement and reformed the landscape of American living lastingly. The upcoming segment will examine in greater detail the history of the Fair Housing Act and its influences on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act emerged as an instant reaction to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was present throughout the nation. That act outlawed discrimination in public places but failed to eradicate discrimination in housing, leaving numerous Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Admitting that the federal government had a liability to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan suggested a regulation that would directly 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 formed the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to fight against housing discrimination, encourage financial access, and achieve varied, democratic societies. The measure is also to be implemented by FHEO.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The results of the Fair Housing Act were fast and comprehensive. It unlocked previously segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to find safe and affordable housing. The act has been recognized for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for kids dwelling in low-income households.
Since its initial implementation, the Fair Housing Act has experienced several revisions. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, refined the definition of “family” to include unmarried couples and people 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. It has contributed to developing a more equal and just society by ensuring that everyone enjoys safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it is a good idea 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 seem like you’ve been discriminated against, you can notify HUD under the FHEO. Another option is to contact a local fair housing organization for help.
It is essential to engage with landlords and property managers who recognize and comply with fair housing laws if you wish to protect your rights. Equitable housing has been a significant aspect of Real Property Management Sailfish Coast’s mission for several years. Browse our listings online for outstanding 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.
