April is Fair Housing Month!

Posted on April 16, 2026 by Shelli Bakken

The Federal Fair Housing Act became the law of the land in 1968, inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It protects renters (including assisted living residents and tenants of rental housing) from discrimination.

The goal is that no one's race, color, religion, or national origin should restrict their access to housing. Since its passage additional protected classes have been added: sex, familial status, and disability.  Renters in Minnesota are additionally protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation, marital status, and status with regard to public assistance.

Providers should be certain to have policies in place with how you promptly and equitably handle rental inquiries, requests for disability-related accommodations or apartment modifications, and issues related to harassment and intimidation of individuals who are members of a protected class. Check out the LeadingAge MN website for Fair Housing trainings and information, including a webinar that was offered in January.