On April 11, 1968, the Federal Fair Housing Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, or sex in housing sales, rentals, and financing. The Virginia Fair Housing Act was passed in 1972 and included the same protected classes as the federal law.
In 1988, the Federal Fair Housing Act was amended, and people with disabilities were added to the list of protected classes from discrimination. The Virginia act was similarly amended that year.
Today, the Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. The Virginia Fair Housing Act also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, aged 55 and over, source of funds, and military status.
Celebrate Fair Housing Month with us on April 15 at 2:00pm until 3:30pm, at ECI or via Zoom, with a presentation on federal and state Fair Housing laws. Find out what unfair treatment looks like in housing for people with disabilities and what you can do if you have a complaint. Click HERE to register to attend by Zoom.
