In the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, and individuals were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This incorporated the entitlement to equitable housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson approved the Fair Housing Act into law. This bill prohibited discrimination in housing due to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This marked a pivotal victory for the Civil Rights Movement, permanently altering the landscape of American living. This piece delves into the history of the Fair Housing Act and its influence on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a direct reaction to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was unfolding nationwide. That rule outlawed discrimination in public places; however, it failed to address the discrimination in housing, leading to several Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Understanding that the federal government had accountability to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan sponsored legislation aimed at directly 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 signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on that very 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 developed the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to abolish housing discrimination, encourage economic opportunity, and cultivate distinct, comprehensive communities. FHEO plays a crucial role in upholding the act’s provisions.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The impact of the Fair Housing Act was swift and extensive. It transformed previously segregated neighborhoods into minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to find safe and affordable housing. The act has been attributed to reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children living in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has undergone multiple amendments since it was first enacted. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, expanded the definition of “family” to include 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. It has helped create a more equal and just society by making sure that everyone has 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 believe you’ve been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with HUD under the FHEO. Moreover, reaching out to a local fair housing organization can provide you with valuable assistance.
Engaging with landlords and property managers who are knowledgeable about and adhere to fair housing laws is crucial for safeguarding your rights. Real Property Management Suncoast has a rich legacy of dedication to equitable housing practices. Browse our listings online for top-notch 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.
