In the late 1960s, America was in a state of instability. The Civil Rights Movement was in full operation, and citizens were fighting for equality across all walks of life. This included the right to fair housing. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law. This act prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement, and it changed the face of American living forever. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Fair Housing Act and its effects on American renters.
Civil Rights and Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act was a direct response to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the struggle for equality that was going on across the country. That act forbade discrimination in public places but did not resolve discrimination in housing. This left numerous black Americans residing in inferior housing conditions. The Kerner Commission, studying the civil disorders and causes of riots in US Cities in 1967, wrote, “Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal.”
Knowing that the federal government had a responsibility to address housing inequality, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts and Representative John Conyers of Michigan sponsored an act that would specifically forbid 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 resolved housing inequality by making it illegal to discriminate against renters based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also created the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), which aims to end housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities. FHEO is also responsible for enforcing the act.
The Impact of Fair Housing
The effects of the Fair Housing Act were rapid and extensive. It opened up formerly segregated neighborhoods to minorities. Additionally, it simplified the process for families of all income levels to locate 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 been amended several times since it was originally passed. The most current amendment, passed in 1988, expanded the definition of “family” to include unmarried couples and people with disabilities. Additionally, it reinforced the enforcement provisions of the act.
The Fair Housing Act and You
The Fair Housing Act is one of the most vital pieces of legislation in American history. It has aided in the creation of a more equal and just society by guaranteeing everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. If you’re a renter in the United States, it’s critical to understand your rights under the Fair Housing Act. Some of the rights the Fair Housing Act safeguards include:
- The right to choose a housing option without judgment
- The right to stay in a safe and suitable housing environment
- The right to fair treatment during the housing search process
- The right to not be rejected for housing based on your income
If you believe that you’ve been discriminated against, you can submit a complaint with HUD under the FHEO. You can also talk to a fair housing organization in your area to get assistance.
To best protect your rights, it’s also critical to work with landlords and property managers that are aware of and follow fair housing laws. Real Property Management Complete has a long history of commitment to fair housing. Browse our listings online to view quality rental homes in Hampton.
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.
