What is the Fair Housing Act?
The Fair Housing Act is a civil rights law that was passed in 1968 and prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, and familial status. This law applies to all housing, including single family homes, apartments, condominiums and mobile homes. The act was established in response to the unfair housing practices toward African Americans and other minority groups in the United States. Discrimination in housing had been legally allowed in segregation patterns and deed restrictions, keeping minorities from inhabiting certain areas. The Fair Housing Act offers protection to all people in the United States regardless of their race, national origin, sex, age, or disability status, helping to prevent discrimination in the buying, selling and renting of housing. The act extends its protection to lenders and insurance companies, who are now required to issue loans, mortgages, and insurance policies to all applicants in an equal manner. In Washington, the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act. The WSHRC assists victims of discrimination, investigates complaints, and educates about fair housing rights. Landlords, homeowners, and renters in Washington are all protected by the Fair Housing Act.
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