Legal Resources
Resources in Chicago
- Chicago Renters’ Rights Hotline at (312) 742-7368: Information and assistance on legal responsibilities and rights of renters and property owners.
- Chicago Department of Housing or (312) 744-4190
- Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance
- Rentervention Chat Bot or text “hi” to 866-7RENTER (866-773-6837): Free and confidential help with legal advice, tenant-landlord issues, and community resources.
- Metropolitan Tenants Organization or 773-292-4988 (Tenants Rights Hotline)
- Center for Conflict Resolution or (312) 922-6464: Free landlord-tenant mediation.
- Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance or (872) 228-7844
Fair Housing Rights
It is illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing, including against individuals seeking a mortgage or housing assistance, or in other housing-related activities. Learn more.
- Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) organizations may be able to speak to a housing provider on your behalf; conduct an investigation, including testing, to help determine if you experienced discrimination; and provide you with assistance.
- If you believe your rights may have been violated or are a victim of housing discrimination, we encourage you to submit a complaint.
- Because there are time limits on when a complaint can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should submit a complaint as soon as possible.
- You may file a complaint online, call us toll-free at (800) 669-9777 or (800) 877-8339 (TTY), or email ComplaintsOffice05@hud.gov.
Illinois Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
- Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) administers the Illinois Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in Illinois with respect to employment, financial credit, public accommodations, housing and sexual harassment, as well as sexual harassment in education.