April is Fair Housing Month, established to honor The Fair Housing Act as well as serve as an annual reminder of the need for equal housing opportunities for all. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 protects people from discrimination when they are applying for a mortgage or housing assistance, renting or buying a house, or participating in other housing-related activities. This Act prohibits discrimination based on disability, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or familial status. The Fair Housing Act was signed by President Johnson and was passed one week after the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
You can learn more about The Fair Housing Act at this link.
Independence Now is honoring Fair Housing Month with weekly posts of information that can help people looking for housing or on housing waiting lists. There are lots of things that can and need to be taken care of in advance to be ready for a housing opportunity.
Additionally, you are always welcome to join our monthly housing seminar. Check our event calendar for the next event.
Clearing Your Background
Having a criminal record or history of eviction can make it very difficult to be accepted into a rental property. If you have been evicted or arrested in the past 7 years you may want to explore expungement and paying off any outstanding balance to a previous landlord.
Reaching out to the lawyers at Maryland Legal Aid and discussing a past eviction or criminal record could prove to be very helpful to increase your options when seeking housing.
