WHAT IS A FAIR HOUSING VIOLATION
We believe that every person has a human right to housing without discrimination. You can make an impact in your community when you report incidents of housing discrimination. If someone you know has faced housing discrimination, or you suspect a particular individual or agency is operating in a discriminatory fashion, you may report it to us.
We investigate all tips or claims of discrimination in our service area – Chicago’s North and Northwest Suburbs – and do so in an objective, fact-based manner. If you are seeking help for discrimination you have experienced, please contact us at intake@open-communities.org.
Scroll down through the information below to learn more about what housing discrimination might look like with examples.
SIGNS OF DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICES
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Being refused when trying to rent or purchase a property due to your source of income, family status, conviction history, religion, or other protected characteristics, even when you are well qualified for the housing.
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Being offered different terms or conditions (such as a higher security deposit or less access to amenities).
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Statements in advertisements that ban certain people (ie. “no felons,” “no kids,” “no government assistance/Section 8/housing choice vouchers,” or “English speakers only").
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The housing is listed as “available”, but you are told it is not available.
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Being directed to certain neighborhoods based on aspects of your identity such as race, ethnicity, or primary language.
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Rental amounts or other details of the housing change once you meet an agent in person.
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Unreasonable denial of a loan or mortgage.
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Landlords, maintenance people, or other housing providers or their agents making sexually explicit or harassing comments.
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A landlord refusing to accept an assistance animal because of a “no pets” policy.
WATCH OUR FAIR HOUSING DISCRIMINATION VIDEO
PROTECTED CLASSES
Housing discrimination is illegal under many different laws, including federal, state and local laws. If a person falls into one of the protected classes, certain housing related actions taken against them may be considered discrimination.
FEDERAL
RACE
COLOR
NATIONAL ORIGIN
RELIGION
SEX
DISABILITY
FAMILIAL STATUS
ILLINOIS STATE
FEDERALLY PROTECTED CLASSES PLUS:
ANCESTRY
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
GENDER IDENTITY
AGE (40+)
PARENTAL STATUS
MILITARY STATUS
ORDER OF PROTECTION
MARITAL STATUS
PREGNANCY
MILITARY DISCHARGE STATUS
SOURCE OF INCOME
IMMIGRATION STATUS
COOK COUNTY
FEDERALLY PROTECTED CLASSES PLUS:
ANCESTRY
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
GENDER IDENTITY
PARENTAL STATUS
MILITARY STATUS
MARITAL STATUS
MILITARY DISCHARGE STATUS
SOURCE OF INCOME
HOUSING STATUS
COVERED CRIMINAL HISTORY
BODILY AUTONOMY
CASTE
