April is National Fair Housing Month, and as such, it aims to increase awareness of fair housing rights. To celebrate, we’re sharing the main things to know about the Fair Housing Act and a little history too!
What to know about the Fair Housing Act
First of all, the Fair Housing Act was designed to protect Americans from discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, color, nationality, religion, sex, family status and disability.
Secondly, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces the law at the federal level. And while states can add to the protections granted under the act, they can’t reduce them.
Next, the regulations of the Fair Housing Act apply to all parties involved in the sale or rental of property. This includes, but isn’t limited to, developers, bankers, brokers and real estate agents, for example.
Another reason April is National Fair Housing Month is that the Fair Housing Act was signed on April 11, 1968. That means the act was officially signed 55 years ago this month.
Ways to observe the month
Since April is National Fair Housing Month, we’ll share a few ways you can observe it. For starters, you can learn more about the Fair Housing Act here. You can even learn more about the history of the act, including what prompted President Lyndon Johnson to press Congress to pass the bill in April 1968.
Share what you learn or show your support on social media using #NationalFairHousingMonth. If you have a friend or relative who is considering selling or buying a home, refer them to a trusted local Realtor.
Did you know members of the National Association of Realtors are bound by the Realtor® Code of Ethics? In a nutshell, the Code encompasses the principles of the Fair Housing Act and more.
Summary
Finally, celebrate April and National Fair Housing Month by connecting with Ryan Roberts to start your local real estate journey! Thinking about listing your property? Questions about a local listing? Send them his way. For more local real estate news, keep reading our blogs.