The Fair Housing Act was first passed in 1968, shortly after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, and it prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion and national origin. Discrimination based on sex was added in 1974. When the law was comprehensively amended in 1988, it was changed to include discrimination against people because of disability and because of familial status - the presence of children under the age of 18.  On March 24, 2008, a bill went into effect in Ohio that also prohibits discrimination based on military status.

The Fair Housing Act is enforced administratively by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On the local level, people who believe that they have been harmed by a violation of the Act may file a complaint with Vinton County Fair Housing Office and HUD will conduct an impartial investigation of the claims.

Vinton County, Ohio believes that all people are entitled to fair housing and the Vinton County Fair Housing Office works to help you understand your rights. Browse this site for more information and links to resources or call us today at 740-596-3529.