In the late 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in inconstancy, with people fighting for equality across all walks of life. This included the entitlement to fair accommodation. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson enacted the Fair Housing Act into law. This statute prohibited discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a momentous victory for the Civil Rights Movement and transformed the nature of American living forever. In this post, we will learn about the history of the Fair Housing Act and its impact on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a prompt reaction to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was occurring across the country. That law outlawed discrimination in public places but failed to solve discrimination in housing, leaving several Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Being aware that the federal government had a liability to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan proposed legislation that would explicitly 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 that 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 generated the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to get rid of housing discrimination, promote economic growth, and nurture varied, multicultural neighborhoods. FHEO is likewise responsible for executing the act.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The influence of the Fair Housing Act was rapid and widespread. It connected previously segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to locate safe and affordable housing. The act has been linked to reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children living in low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has witnessed several modifications since its initial introduction. The most recent amendment passed in 1988, evolved the definition of “family” to encompass 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 played a role in creating a more equal and just society by ensuring that all individuals are entitled to safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s important 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 think you’ve been discriminated against, you can file an appeal with HUD under the FHEO. You may also request help from your nearby fair housing organization.
Dealing with landlords and property managers who understand and abide by equitable housing laws proves crucial for maintaining your rights. Real Property Management Piedmont has a comprehensive history of advocating for equitable housing. Browse our listings online for 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.
