Fair Housing Month commemorates the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.  It is a time to shine a light on housing discrimination and segregation and provide an opportunity for all of us to recommit to equal access to housing.

Having a place to call home remains a cornerstone of the American dream. A home provides a sense of comfort, safety and stability. It influences where families go to school, where they work and where they access community services. Home ownership boosts household wealth through equity and appreciation, and over time, provides many other social and economic benefits.

Unfortunately, not all people enjoy equal access to homeownership and housing. Bias and prejudice throughout our country’s history have resulted in people experiencing both subtle and direct housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual harassment), disability (handicap), and familial status. Discrimination in housing is wrong; it is also illegal. 

What can you do to support Fair Housing?

Understand the History: The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) offers an excellent portfolio of videos to help educate on the history of housing discrimination and segregation. Learn more about this important topic by clicking on the link below to access the videos. Fair Housing Film and Video Recommendations

Know the Law: The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual harassment), disability (handicap), and familial status.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) has a website with detailed information on the law.  Link: HUD – Fair Housing Rights and Obligations

Make Your Fair Housing Pledge: