APRIL IS NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH!

Join the City of Albany-Department of Community & Economic Development in celebrating National Fair Housing Month

During the month of April, Fair Housing is celebrated across the nation. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 as a follow-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. The Fair Housing Act emphasizes equality in housing to enable all persons the opportunity to obtain safe and quality housing of their choice. Much progress has been made since the Act was passed, but the law continues to be openly disregarded by landlords, financial institutions, and others.  We are reminded that ignorance of the law is not a legal defense for housing discrimination.

As we celebrate Fair Housing Month, let us stand firm in our commitment to ensure that everyone has access to quality housing opportunities.  Housing discrimination has no place in our community. Fair Housing It’s just not words - It’s not an Option, It’s the Law!

FAIR HOUSING - It's not an Option, It's The Law!

The only way to stop housing discrimination is for you to report it! Housing Discrimination has NO PLACE in our Community!

The Georgia Fair Housing Act was passed to ensure all Georgians can compete for housing within their economic means on a fair and equitable basis. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing, housing-related activities, and lending.

There are seven protected classes under the Georgia Fair Housing Act:

• Race

• Color

• Sex

• Familial status

• Disability

• National origin

• Religion

Refusing to rent or sell violates this status when refusal is based on the applicant or tenant’s membership in any one of the seven protected classes. You have a year to file the complaint, however you should file the complaint as soon as possible.

You can file a Fair Housing Complaint online using the link below:

https://gceo.georgia.gov/complaints/fair-housing-complaint-form

Once a complaint is filed, fair housing investigators will:

• Investigate the complaint
• Collect relevant facts, data, interview parties and witnesses
• Assist both parties in reaching an agreement
• Make a decision  based on the investigation findings

If you need assistance, you may speak with a Housing Counselor at:

City of Albany Department of Community & Economic Development
Microbusiness Enterprise Center
230 South Jackson Street, Suite 315
(229) 483-7650