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.
The Cook County RTLO prohibits retaliation when a tenant exercises a legal right such as reporting code violations, joining a tenant union, or withholding rent for repairs. Prohibited acts include rent increases, service reductions, threats, and lockouts within a defined retaliation window. The Just Housing Amendment (Ord. 19-2394) bars discriminatory housing practices based on protected classes, including criminal-record screening abuses. Combined remedies include injunctive relief, two months rent damages, reinstatement, and attorney fees. The Cook County Commission on Human Rights enforces Just Housing complaints and can order monetary penalties up to $1000 per violation.
Retaliation, harassment, lockouts, or service shutoffs trigger RTLO damages of two months rent plus reinstatement, attorney fees, and Human Rights penalties up to $1000 per violation.
See how Evanston's tenant anti-harassment rules stack up against other locations.
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