Everyone deserves a safe and fair place to live. Cook County’s fair housing laws protect tenants and homebuyers from discrimination based on race, disability, income source, and other protected characteristics. If you’ve been denied housing, charged unfair fees, or treated differently because of who you are, you may have legal options.
At Justice Legal Counsel, we fight for renters and homebuyers facing housing discrimination. If you believe your fair housing rights have been violated, contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Your Fair Housing Rights in Cook County
Under federal, state, and local laws, housing providers—including landlords, real estate agents, and mortgage lenders—cannot discriminate against tenants or homebuyers.
1. Cook County Human Rights Ordinance
This law expands fair housing protections beyond federal and state laws. It prohibits discrimination based on:
- Race, color, national origin
- Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Religion
- Disability or medical condition
- Family status (pregnancy or children in the home)
- Source of income (such as housing vouchers or disability benefits)
2. Illinois Human Rights Act
This law protects tenants and homebuyers statewide, ensuring equal access to housing and mortgage loans.
3. Federal Fair Housing Act
This law prevents landlords, lenders, and real estate companies from denying housing, charging unfair rents, or applying different rules based on protected characteristics.
Examples of Housing Discrimination
Discrimination can be subtle or obvious. Here are some common fair housing violations in Cook County:
✔ Refusing to rent or sell to someone based on their race, religion, or gender.
✔ Rejecting tenants who use Section 8 housing vouchers or disability benefits.
✔ Charging higher security deposits based on national origin or family status.
✔ Denying reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities.
✔ Steering tenants toward or away from certain neighborhoods.
✔ Making discriminatory statements in rental listings or conversations.
If you’ve experienced any of these, you may have a legal claim.
What to Do If You Experience Housing Discrimination
- Document Everything
- Keep records of rental applications, lease terms, emails, or text messages.
- Write down details of any discriminatory statements or unfair treatment.
- Report the Discrimination
- You can file a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights or the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
- Seek Legal Help
- A lawyer can help build your case, negotiate with landlords, or file a lawsuit.
Justice Legal Counsel Can Help
If you believe a landlord, lender, or property manager has violated your fair housing rights, we’re here to fight for you. Justice Legal Counsel can:
✔ Assess your case confidentially
✔ File complaints with the proper agencies
✔ Negotiate settlements or take legal action
✔ Fight for compensation, including damages for emotional distress
Housing discrimination is illegal—and you have the right to stand up against it. Contact Justice Legal Counsel today for a confidential consultation to protect your fair housing rights.