The History of Fair Housing: How Far We’ve Come and the Hidden Stories Along the Way
When you think about fair housing, it’s easy to assume that the right to live wherever you want, regardless of race, religion, or family status, has always been a given. But the road to fair housing in America is paved with struggle, perseverance, and a surprising number of twists and turns. From the post-Civil War era to landmark legislation in 1968 and beyond, the story of fair housing is anything but boring. Let’s take a walk through history—and uncover some little-known facts along the way!
The Early Days: Separate and Unequal
After the Civil War, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments granted freedom, citizenship, and voting rights to formerly enslaved people. However, these rights didn’t translate into equal housing opportunities. The rise of Jim Crow laws in the late 19th and early 20th centuries legally enforced racial segregation in housing.
Fun Fact:
By the 1920s, some neighborhoods used “racially restrictive covenants,” written into property deeds, to prohibit homes from being sold to Black families and other minorities. These clauses remained legal until 1948, when the Supreme Court ruled in Shelley v. Kraemer that they were unenforceable—though they continued to influence housing patterns for decades.
The Civil Rights Movement Pushes for Change
By the 1960s, the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement had brought racial injustice to the forefront of American consciousness. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation in public places but did not address housing discrimination.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders knew that the fight for civil rights would be incomplete without fair housing protections. In 1966, Dr. King and the Chicago Freedom Movement led a campaign to expose housing segregation in Northern cities, bringing national attention to the issue.
The Assassination That Spurred Action
After Dr. King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, the nation erupted in grief and unrest. His death became the catalyst that finally pushed Congress to pass the Fair Housing Act (FHA) on April 11, 1968—just one week after his assassination.
Little-Known Fact:
President Lyndon B. Johnson used the tragedy of Dr. King’s death to appeal to lawmakers, urging them to honor King’s legacy by passing the legislation that had been stalled in Congress.
What the Fair Housing Act Covers
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on:
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Race
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Color
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National origin
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Religion
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Sex
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Disability
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Familial status
Surprising Fact:
In 1988, disability and familial status were added to the list of protected classes through the Fair Housing Amendments Act, expanding protections to even more marginalized communities.
Redlining: A Legacy of Inequality
Even after the passage of the Fair Housing Act, redlining—a discriminatory practice where banks and insurers denied loans to people in minority communities—continued to leave a lasting impact. Maps were literally drawn with red lines around predominantly Black neighborhoods, marking them as “high-risk” and ineligible for loans.
Rare Fact:
These discriminatory maps, created by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) in the 1930s, were not outlawed until the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, but the economic effects still ripple through communities today.
Eye-Opening Fact:
In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ+ individuals are protected under the Fair Housing Act, ensuring that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited in housing.
Why Fair Housing Still Matters
Fair housing isn’t just about where you live—it’s about opportunity, stability, and equity. Access to quality housing impacts education, healthcare, and economic mobility. The fight for fair housing is ongoing, and understanding its history is key to ensuring a fairer future for all. While most property managers are well educated on all fair housing laws, individual owners may not understand all that applies. It is important for homeowners to hire a professional property manager to protect them and their assets.
Final Fun Fact:
April is Fair Housing Month, celebrating the passage of the Fair Housing Act and raising awareness about the importance of equal access to housing for everyone.
