Short History of Fair Housing
Jan 22nd, 2009 by Vinny
Where did it all begin? Well it started because of racial discrimination, so congress enacted the Civil Rights Act of 1866. This gave rights so that everyone could purchase and own property regardless of race. Since the country was still very much divided, the act only helped a few.
Many know about the “separate vs. equal” rulings (Plessy v. Ferguson), and the subsequent Brown vs. Board of education which started the equality revolution.
Congress tried again in 1964 with the new Civil Rights Act, but it only applied to federally funded programs.
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 finally came close to banishing discrimination, but they left out sex. In 1974, that was amended and they finalized other issues in 1988.
So after 1988, no person can be denied housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, handicap, familial status (age basically), or sex.
One thing to note in the act is an Equal Housing Opportunities poster that must be hung for many real estate operations. Consult your lawyer to determine if this is applicable.
