Just Housing Ordinance

Compliance Info and Resources

Mainstreet has curated resources specifically related to real esate regarding the newest Chicagoland hot topic, the Just Housing Ordinance (JHO). Keep an eye on your inbox for updates when new information or resources are available. 

A quick look at the Just Housing Ordinance (JHO)

The Just Housing Ordinance (JHO), an amendment to the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, was approved in April of 2019 and became effective Dec. 31st, 2019. The ordinance has some big implications for those who sell, rent, lease, or sub-lease residential property in Cook County. The purpose of the amendment is two-fold:
  

  1. Prohibit housing discrimination based on an individual’s covered criminal history; and
  2. Require housing providers to perform an individualized assessment of an otherwise qualified individual’s criminal conviction history prior to denying them housing.

Resources just for REALTORS®

To help you understand and be better equipped to comply, Illinois REALTORS® has put together information with a specific focus on how this affects REALTORS®. Cook County's municipal website provides resources for housing providers and applicants. You can find direct links to these helpful resources below.

Q & A for REALTORS®

Your guide to the process for renting and selling residential property in Cook County.

Illinois REALTORS® Podcast

"What you should know about Cook County's Just Housing Amendment," posted February 11th, 2020.

The RVOICE Program

Illinois REALTORS® has advocates who monitor local legislation throughout the state, such as the Just Housing Ordinance, as part of the RVOICE program.