Fair Housing

Where to turn
Who's covered? Who can help?
Courtesy Chicago Tribune

Government agencies police housing discrimination on several levels: federal, state, county and city.

The federal Fair Housing Act and its 1988 amendment protect against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, disability and familial status. It also protects against discrimination by retaliation, intimidation and coercion. Owner-occupied apartment buildings of four for fewer units are excluded. It's enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, (312) 353-7776 or toll-free at 800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800-927-9275.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, familial status, unfavorable military discharge and military status. It also protects against discrimination by retaliation. Owner-occupied rental buildings of five or fewer units are excluded. It is enforced by the Illinois Department of Human Rights, (312) 814-6200.

The Cook County Human Rights Ordinance outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, parental status, sexual orientation, source of income, military discharge status, housing status, and also protects against retaliation. The ordinance is enforced by the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, (312) 603-1100.

The Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance offers protection against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, parental status, sexual orientation, source of income and military discharge status. This ordinance is enforced by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, (312) 744-2852.

Nonprofit organizations that assist buyers and renters on fair housing issues include:
• Access Living Chicago, (312) 226-5900.
• HOPE Fair Housing Center, (630) 690-6500 or
• hopefair@aol.com.
• Latinos United/Comprehensive Advocacy for Fairness in Housing, (312) 258-8655.
• Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing, (312) 347-7600.
• Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities, (312) 341-5678.
• Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago, (312) 341-1070.
• Metropolitan Tenants Organization, (773) 292-4980.
• South Suburban Housing Center, (708) 957-4674.