3 Ways the Fair Housing Act Changed Homeownership in America

Homeownership is key to building generational wealth and financial growth. But, for decades, discriminatory practices prevented many people and their families from accessing fair and equal housing. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act, commonly known as the Fair Housing Act, aimed to do something about this. The Fair Housing Act made it illegal to discriminate throughout the homebuying and renting process based on a person’s race, color, religion, family status, gender identity, ability, or sexual orientation. Passed in 1968, the Fair Housing Act made homeownership a possibility for millions of households. But that’s not all that’s changed. Here are three ways this act impacted homeownership:

1. No Group can be Prevented from Homeownership

Did you know that before 1968, some sellers would add disclaimers to their housing applications stating that they would not sell to certain groups? Before the Fair Housing Act, this discrimination was perfectly legal. The Fair Housing Act not only prevents Americans from being turned down for a property or loan based on their identities, but it also makes all properties a possibility by prohibiting sellers and real estate agents from blocking groups of people from a property.

The Fair Housing Act did not end discrimination in homebuying or renting. But, it did explicitly disallow sellers from using prejudices to prevent groups from purchasing or renting a home.

2.???? Barriers to Accessibility Were Torn Down

Unfairness is not clear in all circumstances. For example, policies against pets in apartments or condominiums on their own are not discriminatory. But, if there is no accommodation made for an applicant who is visually impaired and needs a guide dog, it makes the property inaccessible to that person. This is against the Fair Housing Act. If a policy prevents people with disabilities from being able to live in a home, it’s discrimination, and it’s against the law. This is called reasonable accommodation and modification in the Fair Housing Act and was a groundbreaking section for all Americans with disabilities on the way to equity.

3.???? You Have the Power

The Fair Housing Act put the power back in the consumers’ hands by cementing equal housing as a right for all Americans. This ensures that anyone who believes they experienced any form of discrimination in housing or renting can report it and help justice be served. You can file a complaint online, through the mail, or over the phone with specialists available in multiple languages.

The work to make homeownership more equitable and accessible is an ongoing journey, but we’re making progress thanks to the Fair Housing Act. The home buying and ownership process can be difficult, especially for those who have faced discrimination. But HUD certified housing counselors have resources that can help make homeownership accessible and affordable to all Americans. We're here to support you. Visit HUD.gov/makehomethegoal to connect to a housing counseling agency today.