During the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was actively progressing, and individuals were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This encompassed the entitlement to equitable housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson enacted 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 irrevocably transformed the face of American living. This article examines the history of the Fair Housing Act and its impact on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a direct consequence of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was occurring throughout the country. That legislation outlawed discrimination in public places but failed to tackle discrimination in housing, resulting in numerous Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Recognizing that the federal government had an obligation to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan supported legislation to specifically 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 signed 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. It also established the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to get rid of housing discrimination, foster economic opportunity, and cultivate diverse, inclusive communities. FHEO is tasked with the enforcement of the legislation.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The effects of the Fair Housing Act were prompt and extensive. It integrated previously segregated neighborhoods into minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to find safe and affordable housing. The legislation has been recognized for 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 include unmarried couples and those 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 facilitated the establishment of a more equal and just society by guaranteeing everyone can access safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s crucial 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 submit a complaint with HUD under the FHEO. Additionally, you may reach out to a nearby fair housing organization for assistance.
Collaborating with landlords and property managers who are knowledgeable about and adhere to fair housing rules is crucial for safeguarding your rights. Real Property Management Coral has a longstanding dedication to equitable housing practices. Browse our listings online for premium 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.
