Cook County Human Rights Ordinance Ch. 42 and the Illinois Human Rights Act prohibit landlords from refusing tenants based on lawful source of income, including Housing Choice Vouchers, SSI, child support, and other government assistance.
The Cook County Human Rights Ordinance (Ch. 42) lists source of income as a protected class in housing. Refusing to rent to, charging higher rent to, or applying different screening criteria to applicants because they use Housing Choice Vouchers, Social Security, veterans benefits, or other lawful income sources is a violation. The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5) was amended in 2023 to add the same statewide protection. The Cook County Commission on Human Rights investigates complaints, issues cease-and-desist orders, and may impose civil penalties up to $1000 per violation plus actual damages and attorney fees.
Refusing voucher holders, advertising no-Section-8 policies, or imposing higher screening thresholds for assisted tenants leads to civil penalties, damages, and Human Rights Commission enforcement orders.
See how Evanston's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
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