By Sarah Fletcher, CFTH Intern
April is National Fair Housing Month. Fair Housing is the right to choose your residence, free from unlawful discriminatory practices. This policy encompasses several elements designed to eliminate discrimination in the process of renting or buying a home.
What is the history of Fair Housing?
1968: President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which included Title VIII, known as the Fair Housing Act on April 11th, following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (4/4/1968) and the Civil Rights act of 1964.
The Fair Housing Act prohibited discrimination on the sale, rental and financing of housing—making it illegal to discriminate based on race, national origin, religion, or sex.
1988: The Fair Housing Amendments Act was created which expanded the law to prohibit housing discrimination based on disability or family status.
2020: Today the act enforces the prohibition of housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability and a need for guide/service animals
Additionally, in Washington State, laws prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of martial status, creed, HIV/AIDS & Hep C status, sexual orientation, gender identity and veteran/military status.
Know Your Rights
When you rent or buy a home, carefully inspect leases and other documents. Maintain awareness of tenant rights at the federal and state level
If you suspect you are a victim of housing discrimination, see this HUD link or contact 1-800-669-9777 to speak to a FHEO specialist (alternative languages and methods for filing available through above link).
Make sure the policies and rules in your building or housing complex comply with Fair Housing Laws. These are often posted in the office or attached to leases. If the rules in your building raise concern or fair housing policies are missing, report it to your report it to your local regional fair housing office.
Three Ways to Advocate for Fair Housing
Get to know your neighbors:
Immersing yourself in others’ experiences, faiths, cultures and ways of life create a more welcoming and embracing community.
Give your business to companies committed to Fair Housing:
Be an informed consumer and be mindful of a company’s track record with compliance to fair housing and lending, loan servicing, and overall equitable values.
Support proposed fair housing policies and programs:
Register to vote and remain active with legislation. Donate funds or volunteer with organizations that support Fair Housing policies and practices.
Learn More:
In 2018, the National Association of Realtors created this six minute video to commemorate the Fair Housing Act and the accompanying challenges and opportunities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94TVHAJtang.