State housing agency recognizes Fair Housing Month; encourages Texans to ‘know your rights’

(AUSTIN) — In observance of the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (“TDHCA”) encourages local leaders, neighborhood associations and citizens to use April as a time to foster meaningful discussions about fair housing choice and opportunities, and for all Texans to learn more about how fair housing impacts them.

“As more individuals and families decide to make Texas their home, it is essential for everyone to understand federal and state housing rights,” explained Tim Irvine, TDHCA Executive Director. “In furthering fair housing options and opportunities, TDHCA takes its responsibility as a fair housing provider very seriously.”

Since Texas is one of the fastest growing states in terms of population, TDHCA reminds Texas homebuyers and renters to become informed about fair housing protections and stay aware of practices that violate those rights, such as:

• Steering—This is a practice in which households are directed to properties or units in a particular area based solely on factors related to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, despite other available options
• Discriminatory advertising—This refers to advertising or marketing materials that promote opportunities to buy or rent housing to certain groups, or exclude certain groups (i.e., no children)
• Redlining—This is the practice of charging more for – or denying altogether – services such as banking, housing, insurance, etc. based solely on factors related to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the financing, rent, or sale of any dwelling based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill into law on April 11, 1968, paving the way for the month of April to be recognized as National Fair Housing Month.

Amendments to the Act in 1988 extended protection against housing discrimination based on disability or familial status. The following year, the Texas Legislature solidified its commitment to fair housing with the Texas Fair Housing Act of 1989, which offered protection for apartment renters and homeowners.

Information for renters, homebuyers, housing professionals, and local and state leaders can be found on TDHCA’s Fair Housing 101 page at www.tdhca.state.tx.us. The Texas Workforce Commission (“TWC”) is the entity responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act in the State of Texas. If someone believes his or her rights under the federal Fair Housing have been violated, inquiries or complaints can be emailed to TWC at HousingComplaint@twc.state.tx.us or by calling 888-452-4778.