In the last part of the 1960s, America was in a state of upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement reached its peak, and individuals were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This covered the right to reasonable housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson enacted the Fair Housing Act into law. This regulation prohibited discrimination in housing on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was an immense victory for the Civil Rights Movement and reformed the face of American living lastingly. The following section will examine the history of the Fair Housing Act and its implications on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act emerged as an immediate reaction to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fight for equality that was transpiring across the nation. That rule outlawed discrimination in public places, but it failed to tackle discrimination in housing, leaving numerous Americans living in substandard housing conditions.
Comprehending that the federal government had a job to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan recommended 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 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 developed the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to get rid of housing discrimination, endorse economic opportunity, and cultivate diverse, inclusive neighborhoods. FHEO hold accountable for enforcing the law.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The impacts of the Fair Housing Act were both prompt and general. It opened previously segregated neighborhoods to minorities and made it easier for families of all income levels to find safe and affordable housing. The legislation has been appraised with reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes for children from low-income households.
The Fair Housing Act has encountered multiple changes since its first passage. The most recent amendment, passed in 1988, enlarged the definition of “family” to encompass 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 enabled the development of a more equal and just society by providing access to safe and affordable housing for all. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s necessary 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 may send a report to HUD under the FHEO. Furthermore, you may seek aid from a local fair housing organization.
Interacting with landlords and property managers who are knowledgeable about and compliant with fair housing legislation is essential for protecting your rights. Real Property Management Eagle has a distinguished history of commitment to fair housing standards. 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.
