What is the Fair Housing Act?

by Saturday, 27 March 2021

The title VIII of the US Civil Rights Act, also known as the “Fair Housing Act” prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, purchase, leasing financing and/or advertising of housing upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or family status.

On April 11th, 1968, the Fair Housing Act was enacted into law recognizing that property right should not be abridged because of discrimination. Resistance, harassment, and violence are unfortunately the hallmarks of the pursuit of equal housing in the USA. For generations, the access to housing of choice did not mean access for all. Where people lived was often dictated by the color of their skin.

American people acknowledge all industries and associations early opposition to Fair Housing and recognize those individuals and organizations that help change the policy. In 1947, African American real estate brokers formed the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) with a clear fair housing purpose.

Many people have given much lives to obtain their housing right, sometimes by risking more than just their livelihoods. Even though opposition across the country continues, the Fair Housing Act declared a national policy of fair housing; by prohibiting discrimination – based on race, color, religion, and national origin– , changing attitudes and behaviors proved to be difficult.

Progress has been made, the Fair Housing Act was amended in later years to prohibit discrimination based on gender, disability and familial status and to increase enforcement of the law. However, many communities remain segregated and housing discrimination still does exist. Only half the country prevents discrimination in housing against the LGBT community. The highest proportion of complaints involve discrimination based on disability.

“Fair housing is not just an important tool for eliminating discrimination; it also helps to strengthen families, communities, businesses, and our overall economy. Fulfillment of the letter and spirit of the law means that every community can be a place of opportunity—where people can live in diverse, inclusive, accessible neighborhoods with quality schools, healthy foods, meaningful jobs, health care, green spaces, quality credit— and the other opportunities that frame and affect our lives.” National Fair Housing Alliance

Source: Britannica, National Fair Housing Alliance, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, National Housing Law Project

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