Remarks on Fair Housing Month

April is Fair Housing Month. Fair Housing Month commemorates the  Fair Housing Act passed by Congress in 1968. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in renting, buying, or financing housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Maryland and Baltimore City have extended that list of protected classes to include gender identity, source of income, and immigration status.

For instance, if someone does not rent to you because you are Black or because you are a Woman, that is a fair housing violation. If a mortgage company will not lend in certain neighborhoods or to certain people, that’s a fair housing violation. If an advertisement for a rental unit says “no vouchers” that is a fair housing violation. 

The Maryland Fair Housing Action Center, which I founded after the collapse of BNI Maryland, has become part of Economic Action Maryland which is a consumer rights organization. They have very specific guides for landlords, realtors, lenders, regarding how to make sure they are not discriminating. In addition, the have great guidance for tenants and buyers for knowing your rights. Please make sure to check out their website. 

Economic Action Maryland has a portal where you can enter complaints and they will route to the proper investigation and enforcement entity. In addition, the Maryland Attorney General investigates fair housing complaints, as does the National Fair Housing Alliance, and our Office of Equity and Civil Rights. 

Throughout this month we will be posting videos with tips and information about Fair Housing in Baltimore City. I invite colleagues to join me in spreading the news about how important this is, and how residents can protect themselves.