What is the primary intent of the Fair Housing Act?

The primary intent of the Fair Housing Act is to provide fair treatment in housing. This landmark legislation, enacted in 1968, aims to eliminate discrimination in housing practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. By ensuring that individuals have equal access to housing opportunities, the Act seeks to promote diversity and prevent segregation in communities. It applies to various aspects of housing, including renting, buying, and lending, thus fostering an environment where everyone has the right to choose where they live without facing discrimination. This ensures that housing decisions are made based on merit and not on personal characteristics that should not influence such choices.