The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) Fair Housing Division processes and investigates charges of discrimination involving housing transactions for residential and commercial property. Under the Illinois Human Rights Act, enforced by IDHR, discrimination in real estate transactions is unlawful. Housing discrimination can include: Refusal to sell or rent, differences in price and any other terms or conditions of a real estate transaction based upon race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), order of protection status, marital status, sexual orientation (including gender-related identity), unfavorable military discharge, physical and mental disability, arrest record, and familial status.
The Fair Housing provisions of the Illinois Human Rights Act apply to:
- Owners, managers, salespersons, real estate brokers, rental agents, or other agents or employees of the owner or the owner's agents,
- Builders and appraisers,
- Mortgage lenders (banks and loan brokers), and,
- Any other person engaged in a real estate transaction.
FILING A CHARGE
When you file a charge with IDHR, your case will be assigned to an investigator who will conduct a thorough investigation to determine if there is substantial evidence of discrimination. The investigator will interview you and the other parties and witnesses to obtain relevant documents. In many cases, the investigator can help the parties resolve the matter. A voluntary settlement between the parties may involve payment of money, granting an accommodation request, approving a housing application, training housing providers, posting information on fair housing in common areas, or other appropriate relief.
WHAT YOU NEED
To file a charge, it is important that you provide as much information as you can regarding the incident(s). This can include:
- The name and contact information of the person(s) or entity alleged to have unlawfully discriminated against you, including the name(s) of the owner, manager, salesperson or other persons involved;
- The address and number of units of the property being sold or rented;
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any other persons who may be witnesses;
- Copies of any advertisement, listing, or vacancy sheet alleged to be discriminatory; as well as any other documents related to the matter.
After completing the form, save and submit it via email to IDHR.FairHousing@illinois.gov. You may also mail your completed form to the IDHR’s address listed on the bottom of the form. If your Acrobat Reader doesn't open the CIS form, click here for help.
Relationship with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
LAWS & REGULATIONS
There are housing laws and regulations at different levels of government. Learn more about each law by clicking the links below.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The community can also reach out to schedule a presentation or to invite IDHR to participate in your event. For more information please email the Fair Housing Division.
Learn and share important information about housing rights in Illinois with these additional resources provided by IDHR and our federal, state, and local partners.
DHR Fair Housing Resources
Brochures, Posters, & One Pagers
Statewide & Local Fair Housing OrganizationsTRAININGS & EVENTS
IDHR offers education and outreach activities for home seekers, landlords, property owners, community organizations, individuals, and groups. This includes quarterly compliance trainings and other events located on the Illinois Department of Human Rights Eventbrite webpage.
The community may also contact IDHR to schedule a presentation or invite IDHR to participate in an event. For more information please email the Fair Housing Division.
CONTACT US
If you have questions or would like to talk with a Fair Housing Investigator, please email the Fair Housing Division.