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April Commemorates National Fair Housing Month
by RealtyLine
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By Tawanna Carver / Associate Publisher
The month of April holds great significance in the history of the United States. It's not just about the blooming flowers and the warmer weather, but also about a major step forward in the battle for equality and justice in our country.
A landmark civil rights law, the Fair Housing Act, was signed into law 55 years ago. Congressional consideration of the bill occurred years before it was passed by the federal government, but the bill failed to win a strong enough majority to pass. After Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination on April 4, 1968, then President Lyndon B. Johnson immediately called for Congress to pass the Fair Housing Act. Seven days later, the Act was passed.
The term "fair housing" refers to all people's right to live in housing that is free from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status. There have been several amendments to the Act since 1968, including the most recent one in 1988. As a result of the 1998 amendments, the Act now includes disability and familial status as protected characteristics, and enforcement mechanisms are strengthened.
The Act covers most types of housing, including apartments, houses, trailer parks, and homeless shelters, but it also covers practices such as redlining, steering and blockbusting.
The act of redlining is the practice of lenders not providing loans or insurance to certain neighborhoods, usually those that are home to minorities. A common form of redlining became prevalent in the 1930s when lenders used maps to determine which areas were "high risk" for mortgage lending. In places dominated by black people or other minorities, neighborhood risk was perceived as high, while in areas dominated by white people, neighborhood risk was perceived as low. The redlining practice led to a decrease in homeownership and investment in minority communities, as well as an increase in racial segregation.
"Steering" a buyer means guiding them towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their preferences. There are many factors that can influence steering, including race, religion, income level, and other demographics. There are some realtors who steer their clients away from undesirable or unsafe neighborhoods. Others may steer buyers towards neighborhoods that they think will be a good fit for their needs
The term "blockbusting" is used in the real estate industry to describe a practice in which a realtor encourages a homeowner to sell their property at a lower price than what it is worth in order to take advantage of lower selling prices in predominantly white neighborhoods. A common consequence of this practice is the deterioration of neighborhoods, because new homeowners are often unable to maintain their property values and crime rates increase. A vital part of ensuring equal access to housing is advocating for equal opportunity. Each of us can do something to promote fairness. Keep yourself and others informed about fair housing laws, such as those from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For property owners and managers, fulfilling their legal obligations is critical to making sure tenants with disabilities are accommodated and that they are not discriminated against based on certain characteristics. It is important for renters to familiarize themselves with Fair Housing Act rights. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of quality housing for everyone — spread awareness about fair housing as widely as possible.
As we celebrate the Fair Housing Act throughout April, we can learn more about its legacy. Our fight for fair housing is ongoing and we all have a role to play in bringing about a more just and equitable society. Our collective efforts can ensure that everyone has access to safe and secure housing options regardless of their age, race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT DOREN CARVER
doren@myrealtyline.com
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Associate Publisher Tawanna Verock
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Editorial Assistant Caroline Carver
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