April is National Fair Housing Month. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law on April 11, 1968. That is 56 years ago today!

Now is the time to reaffirm our commitment to equitable housing for all. Navigate Affordable Housing Partners is proud to share this year’s NFHM newsletter. We have focused on HUD’s theme for NFHM 2024, “The Act in Action.” With that in mind, we have included information that benefits residents and housing professionals.

The main topics of this year’s National Fair Housing Month newsletter include:

• Understanding Your Rights as a Resident: Fair housing laws ensure protection against discrimination. They also guarantee rights such as non-discrimination, reasonable accommodations for disabilities, and the right to a safe and habitable home. Residents must be aware of these rights to foster a respectful and legally compliant housing environment.
• The Role of Property Managers & Owners in Upholding Fair Housing: Property managers and owners play a crucial role from practicing non-discriminatory advertising to implementing consistent screening processes. Their actions significantly impact the creation of inclusive communities.
• Recognizing and Avoiding Discrimination: Discrimination in housing can often be subtle and unintentional. It’s vital to recognize and avoid discrimination by being mindful of language in advertising. We must also encourage open communication and ensure equal access to amenities for all residents. It’s important to remember these lessons outside of National Fair Housing Month.
• “No Pets” Policies and Assistance Animals: Individuals with disabilities face a number of challenges. This article highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between pets and assistance animals. This understanding fosters empathy and inclusivity, ensuring everyone’s housing needs are met.
• How to Navigate Fair Housing Complaints: Knowing how to file or respond to fair housing complaints is crucial. It’s important for maintaining legal compliance and fostering a positive community environment.
• The Importance of Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications: Understanding the right to reasonable accommodations and modifications is essential. We can ensure accessible living environments for residents with disabilities. This section demystifies the terms and explains how to request them.

NFHM 2024

This Fair Housing Month, let’s commit to building equitable communities where everyone has access to fair, inclusive, and quality housing. Explore our full newsletter for more insights and join us in promoting fair housing practices.