How the Fair Housing Act Transformed Housing Equality in America

During the latter part of the 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was its zenith, and people were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This covered the right to fair housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson decreed the Fair Housing Act into law. This act prohibited discrimination in housing on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a memorable victory for the Civil Rights Movement and altered the face of American living permanently. The following section will take a closer look at the history of the Fair Housing Act and its implications on American renters.

Civil Rights and Fair Housing

The Fair Housing Act emerged as a consequential reaction to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was happening across the country. That act outlawed discrimination in public places, but it failed to address discrimination in housing, leaving many Americans living in substandard housing conditions.

Realizing that the federal government had a duty to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan suggested an act 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 announced 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 remove housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and cultivate diverse, inclusive neighborhoods. FHEO holds the responsibility of enforcing the act.

The Impact of Fair Housing

The impacts of the Fair Housing Act were both prompt and extensive. It opened previously segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to find safe and affordable housing. The regulation has been known for reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children from low-income households.

The Fair Housing Act has endured numerous amendments since its initial enactment. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, broadened 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 helped create a more equal and just society by ensuring everyone has admission to safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s imperative 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 report to HUD under the FHEO. Moreover, you can ask for assistance from a fair housing organization in your vicinity.

Engaging with landlords and property managers who are well-versed in and adhere to fair housing laws is crucial for safeguarding your rights. Real Property Management Ascension possesses a rich legacy of dedication to equitable housing practices. Browse our listings online for outstanding rental homes.

Originally Published on October 15, 2022