Is Source of Income Discrimination Illegal for Renters in Illinois?

Facing challenges renting an apartment in Illinois because of where your income comes from? Many renters worry about being denied housing simply for using Section 8 vouchers, disability payments, child support, or other lawful sources of income. Understanding whether landlords in Illinois are allowed to discriminate based on your source of income is vital to protecting your housing rights.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent, renew a lease, or otherwise treats you differently because of how you pay your rent. This can include income from employment, Social Security, child support, alimony, housing vouchers (like Section 8), and other legal sources.

Is Source of Income Discrimination Banned in Illinois?

As of 2024, Illinois state law does not provide statewide protection against source of income discrimination for renters. However, several cities and counties in Illinois—including Chicago, Cook County, Naperville, and Urbana—have passed their own ordinances banning landlords from refusing applicants because of their lawful income sources, including Section 8 vouchers.

This means your protections depend on where you live in Illinois. For example:

• In Cook County, landlords may not discriminate based on how you pay your rent.
• The City of Chicago protects renters’ use of any lawful income—including housing vouchers.
• In other parts of Illinois, landlords may legally reject applicants based on source of income.

If you’re unsure about your area, check with your city or county housing authority or contact the relevant fair housing commission.

How Local Laws Work With State Laws

Local ordinances can add tenant protections that aren’t provided by Illinois law. Landlords operating within protected areas must follow these local rules, even if state law is silent.

When and How to File a Complaint

If you are in a city or county where source of income discrimination is prohibited and you believe a landlord has denied you housing for this reason, you may file a complaint with the local human rights commission or housing authority.

• For Chicago residents: Contact the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR).
• For Cook County (outside Chicago): File with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights.
• For Urbana: Contact the Urbana Human Relations Commission.

You’ll typically need to submit an official complaint form within a certain time after the violation—often 180 to 300 days.

Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) – Statewide Rule

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) handles statewide housing discrimination complaints, but currently does not accept complaints solely about source of income, unless your income source is related to another protected class (such as disability or family status).

Official Complaint Forms

• Chicago Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (No specific number)
  Used if you’ve experienced discrimination in Chicago, including source of income. Complete and submit this form online or by mail to the Chicago CCHR.
• Cook County Human Rights Complaint Form (No specific number)
  File if you’re in Cook County and a landlord has discriminated against you based on your legal income. Available on the Cook County website.
• Illinois Department of Human Rights – Housing Discrimination Intake Packet
  Used statewide, but only source of income indirectly if related to other protected classes. The packet is at the IDHR housing complaints page.

After your form is submitted, the local agency will investigate. If they find evidence of discrimination, remedies may include requiring the landlord to rent to you, compensation, or fines.

What Laws Protect Illinois Renters?

Illinois’ primary tenancy law is the Illinois Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. For fair housing, refer to the Illinois Human Rights Act and local city or county ordinances that include “source of income” as a protected category.

The main tribunal for state-wide landlord–tenant disputes is the local county court system. For discrimination, local human rights commissions handle initial complaints.

FAQ: Renters’ Rights and Source of Income in Illinois

1. Is source of income discrimination banned everywhere in Illinois?
   No, only certain cities and counties—like Chicago, Cook County, and Urbana—protect renters against source of income discrimination. In other areas, landlords may legally refuse your application based on your income source.
2. Are landlords in Chicago allowed to deny me because I use a Section 8 voucher?
   No, landlords in Chicago cannot legally deny you housing based on your use of a housing voucher or any other lawful source of income.
3. How can I report a landlord for source of income discrimination?
   If you live in a protected area, file a complaint with your local human rights commission (like CCHR for Chicago) as soon as possible using their official complaint form.
4. What proof do I need to file a complaint?
   Save all emails, letters, or texts that show why your application was denied or how a landlord treated you differently. These can support your complaint.
5. What happens after I file a complaint?
   The local commission will review your case, investigate the situation, and may offer mediation or issue penalties if they find discrimination occurred.

Conclusion: What Illinois Renters Need to Know

• Source of income discrimination is banned in some Illinois cities and counties, but not statewide.
• Check your local laws before applying and keep records if you suspect discrimination.
• If you’re in a protected area, file a complaint with the correct commission using their official form as soon as possible.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR): Handles discrimination complaints in Chicago.
• Cook County Commission on Human Rights: For all Cook County renters (outside Chicago).
• Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR): Handles general housing discrimination statewide.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Fair Housing: Learn more about federal fair housing laws.

---

1. Cook County Source of Income Housing Protection Ordinance
2. Chicago Source of Income Protection
3. Illinois Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705)
4. Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5)
5. Chicago CCHR Discrimination Complaint Forms
6. Cook County Discrimination Complaint Form
7. IDHR Housing Discrimination Complaint Intake Packet

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations