Tenant Anti-Harassment: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do tenant anti-harassment rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights and Chicago have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Cook County RTLO retaliation rules and the Just Housing Amendment to the Human Rights Ordinance prohibit landlord harassment, threats, service interruptions, and discriminatory treatment intended to force tenants out without going through court eviction.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago bars landlord retaliation under RLTO MCC 5-12-150 and layers Cook County's Just Housing Amendment to limit criminal-record screening. Tenants asserting RLTO rights are protected by a presumption of retaliation for one year.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| RTLO chapter | Ch. 42 art VII | - |
| Just Housing Ord. | 19-2394 | - |
| RTLO damages | Two months rent | - |
| Human Rights fine | Up to $1000 per violation | - |
| Enforcer | Cook County Human Rights Commission | - |
| RLTO retaliation | - | MCC 5-12-150 |
| Presumption window | - | One year after protected act |
| Just Housing | - | Cook Ord. 19-2394 |
| Damages | - | Two months rent or actual |
| Plus | - | Attorney fees and costs |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
What counts as retaliation?
Rent hikes, service cuts, eviction filings, or threats within a defined window after the tenant reported violations, joined a union, or withheld rent for repairs are presumed retaliatory under RTLO.
Where do I file a complaint?
RTLO civil claims go to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Just Housing or discrimination claims are filed with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights within 180 days of the act.
Chicago FAQ
What counts as retaliation under RLTO?
Eviction filings, rent increases, reduced services, threats, and refusal to renew within one year of a tenant complaint or organizing activity are presumed retaliation under MCC 5-12-150.
Does Just Housing protect me with a record?
Yes. Cook County Ord. 19-2394 bars blanket bans and requires individualized review after a conditional offer, considering only convictions within the past three years.
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