The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) has launched a “Myth Busting” campaign during Fair Housing Awareness Month to educate residents about their rights under federal and state fair housing laws. This important initiative addresses several common misconceptions about housing discrimination and highlights protections available to all residents.
What is Fair Housing Month?
Fair Housing Month is observed each April to commemorate the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. The law was a landmark achievement in the ongoing effort to ensure equal housing opportunities for all Americans.
In Texas, residents are protected under both the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Texas Fair Housing Act, which provide comprehensive safeguards against discriminatory housing practices.
Common Fair Housing Myths Debunked
The ATCOG campaign specifically addresses five prevalent myths about housing discrimination:
MYTH #1: “If nobody complains about discrimination, there’s no problem.”
TRUTH: Individuals who receive false information or misdirection may have no knowledge they have been victims of discrimination. The Department of Justice’s Fair Housing Testing Program seeks to uncover hidden discrimination and hold those responsible accountable.
MYTH #2: “I can refuse housing to someone because their religious practices make me uncomfortable.”
TRUTH: The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on religion. This includes overt discrimination against members of a particular religion and indirect actions such as limiting the use of homes for worship.
MYTH #3: “I can charge higher security deposits to families with children because kids cause more damage.”
TRUTH: Imposing different terms or conditions based on familial status, such as higher security deposits for families with children, is prohibited by the Fair Housing Act.
MYTH #4: “I don’t have to make my property accessible to people with disabilities.”
TRUTH: The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires certain accessibility features in new multi-family dwellings. Reasonable accommodations must be allowed for persons with disabilities.
MYTH #5: “It’s okay to rent only to people of certain races or colors because it’s my property.”
TRUTH: The Fair Housing Act specifically prohibits discrimination based on race or color. Housing providers cannot give false information about availability or steer people to certain areas based on race.
Know Your Rights
As a Texan, you are protected under both the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Texas State Laws. These laws protect your right to rent an apartment, buy a home, or obtain a mortgage free from discrimination based on:
- Race or color
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
- Familial status
- Disability
Where to File a Fair Housing Complaint
If you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with:
- Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division: 888-452-4778
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: www.HUD.gov/fairhousing/filecomplaint
Why Fair Housing Matters
Fair housing isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s fundamental to building strong, diverse communities. When everyone has equal access to housing opportunities, the entire region benefits. Housing discrimination can be subtle and is often not immediately recognizable to those experiencing it. Education and awareness are key to ensuring fair housing practices are understood and followed.
ATCOG’s “Myth Busting” campaign serves as an important reminder that housing discrimination continues to affect many individuals and families. By understanding the protections available under fair housing laws and recognizing discriminatory practices, residents can better advocate for their rights and contribute to more inclusive communities.
Resources
- Report Housing Discrimination with HUD
- Fair Housing Laws
- Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines
- Fair Housing Disability Overview
Through continued education and enforcement of fair housing laws, we can work toward eliminating housing discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity for all residents in our communities.
