National Fair Housing Month April 2022

April is recognized as National Fair Housing Month to commemorate the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (known as the Fair Housing Act) on April 11, 1968. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the rental, sale, and financing of housing based on race, national origin, religious affiliation, or sex. The Fair Housing Act is codified in federal law at 42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq. and is implemented and enforced by the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Other laws that are enforced by the FHEO include:

  • The Fair Housing Act

  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

  • Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974

  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

  • Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

  • The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968

  • The Age Discrimination Act of 1975

  • Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972

Like other states, Texas has its own version of the Fair Housing Act, codified in Chapter 301 of the Texas Property Code. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs provides a guide on fair housing in Texas. The Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Real Estate Commission are also guided by the Texas Fair Housing Act.

In Harris County, the Harris County Housing Authority works with the Office of Housing and Community Development of the Harris County Community Services Department (CSD) to ensure that fair housing is accessible to Harris County residents. The Housing and Community Resource Center is a good place to start if you are facing housing discrimination or have questions about your rights.

Celebrate Fair Housing Month
The following organizations are providing virtual presentations and other educational resources to commemorate Fair Housing Month 2022:

Further fair housing resources