Changes to Cook County Human Rights Ordiannce

Recently, the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance was modified to prevent landlords from discriminating against tenants using Section 8 or any other housing choice voucher income to pay their rent.  Effective August 8, 2013, a landlord can no longer turn down a prospective tenant solely on the basis that the rent will be paid through Section 8 income.

The new rule applies to all landlords — whether they are leasing a house, a condo, a townhouse, a duplex or an apartment building.  The only landlords exempt from the provisions are those who are renting one or more rooms in a home that they themselves occupy. 

The ordinance applies everywhere in Cook County except where a local municipality has its own ordinance, in which case the local ordinance prevails.  If you are not sure what the rule is in your town, contact your local village hall or city hall for more information.