Following the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which addressed public accommodations, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which addressed voting rights, the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) was passed and signed into law on April 11, 1968 just a week after the murder of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
It is often stated and believed that the assassination of Dr. King was the final event that led to the passage of the act.
The Fair Housing Act introduced meaningful federal enforcement mechanisms. It outlawed: Refusal to sell or rent a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) administers and enforces federal laws and establishes policies that make sure all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice. The California Department of Consumer Affairs handles complaints and enforces state laws regarding housing discrimination.
Many people are unaware that they have been victims of housing discrimination. A 2002 study by HUD suggests that many renters and homebuyers do not fully understand which activities are illegal under the Fair Housing Act.
Legal issues involving civil rights can be very stressful and complicated. This page intends to provide resources to help you learn more about Fair Housing and your options.
If you believe you have been the victim of a civil rights violation, please use this page as a guide. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to call Mammoth Lakes Housing at (760) 934-4740 or stop by our offices, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Fair Housing is your civil right!
To file a Federal Fair Housing Complaint, visit: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint
To file a State Fair Housing Complaint, visit: https://www.dfeh.ca.gov/complaint-process/file-a-complaint/
For additional resources, visit our Tenants’ Rights page here.