On this page

• General Information and Resources
• Fair Housing Rights
• Illinois Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
• Resources in Chicago
• Contact a Housing Counseling Agency

General Information and Resources

• You can use this page to find information on the legal responsibilities and rights of renters and property owners.
• If you are looking for help with a legal problem, contact a legal assistance organization.
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – VAWA is a federal law that, in part, provides housing protections for people applying for or living in units subsidized by the federal government and who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, to help keep them safe and reduce their likelihood of experiencing homelessness.
• Rights & Responsibilities of Residents of HUD-Assisted Multifamily Housing Properties
• Illinois Legal Aid Online: Housing & Apartment Information and Resources – 340+ articles on Eviction; Leasing or renting a home; Foreclosure; Owning or buying a home; Utilities; Security deposits; Section 8 Vouchers and public housing; Housing discrimination; Housing repairs; and other issues.
• Centers for Independent Living (CIL) - CILs offer a broad range of services to empower people with disabilities to stay in the community, including housing resources. These community-based centers are run by and for people with disabilities. Or call (800) 587-1227.
• Housing Action Illinois
• National Housing Law Project

Fair Housing Rights

• Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) organizations may be able to speak to a housing provider on your behalf; conduct an investigation, including testing, to help determine if you experienced discrimination; and provide you with assistance.
• If you believe your rights may have been violated or are a victim of housing discrimination, we encourage you to submit a complaint.
• Because there are time limits on when a complaint can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should submit a complaint as soon as possible.
• You may file a complaint online, call us toll-free at (800) 669-9777 or (800) 877-8339 (TTY), or email ComplaintsOffice05@hud.gov.

Illinois Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

• Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) - IDHR administers the Illinois Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in Illinois with respect to employment, financial credit, public accommodations, housing and sexual harassment, as well as sexual harassment in education.
• It is against the law in Illinois to discriminate in all aspects of real estate transactions, including renting or leasing, based on your source of income.
  • This includes non-employment income, such Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) or disability payments.
  • If you believe you have experienced unlawful discrimination in housing, you can file a charge with the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
  • Illinois Attorney General
    • Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws
  • Illinois State Bar Association Guide to Landlord-Tenant Law
  • Illinois Department of Children & Family Services: Housing Rights and Responsibilities
  • Illinois Housing Handbook

Resources in Chicago

• Chicago Renters’ Rights Hotline at (312) 742-7368: Information and assistance on legal responsibilities and rights of renters and property owners.
  • Know Your Rights: Eviction and Lockout Resources
• Chicago Department of Housing or (312) 744-4190
• Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance
• Rentervention Chat Bot or text “hi” to 866-7RENTER (866-773-6837): Free and confidential help with legal advice, tenant-landlord issues, and community resources.
• Metropolitan Tenants Organization or 773-292-4988 (Tenants Rights Hotline)
• Center for Conflict Resolution or (312) 922-6464: Free landlord-tenant mediation.
• Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance or (872) 228-7844

Contact a Housing Counseling Agency

• HUD sponsors housing counselors that can provide free or low-cost advice for wherever you are in the housing process.
• They can offer independent advice on renting, tenant rights, and fair housing issues.
• Search online for a HUD-approved housing counseling agency by zip code here or call HUD's interactive voice system at (800) 569-4287.