The Importance of Fair Housing

Each April, REALTORS® observe the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 with events designed to educate about housing discrimination and segregation, and to recommit to expanding equal access to housing. 

Fair Housing Is For Everyone. Everywhere.

Fair housing is more than a list of dos and don’ts, rights and penalties, and mandatory continuing education. As stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, fair housing protects our livelihood and business as REALTORS® and depends on a free, open market that embraces equal opportunity.  

SPAAR firmly believes in equal opportunity in housing. No person of this country should have the right to rent or purchase shelter of choice abridged because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Furthermore, these rights should not be limited because of existing or desired ethnic, racial, or religious proportions in any defined area. 

Fair Housing Act of 1968 

President Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law on April 11, 1968. The Act states “It is the policy of the United States to provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout the United States.”  The 1968 Fair Housing Act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion and national origin. In 1974, the Fair Housing Act was amended to prohibit discrimination based on sex. 

Moving Forward 

SPAAR is an advocate for fair housing. We support the creation of Fair Housing policies and the removal of restrictive covenants through supporting and partnering with organizations like Mapping Prejudice. In addition to advocacy, SPAAR works to educate members on fair housing issues, past discrimination, and what they can do to support equal opportunity in housing.  

Let us create a better community for all.