Guidebook on Fair Housing Implications of Nuisance and Crime-Free Ordinances

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) is proud to release the “Fair Housing Implications of Nuisance and Crime-Free Ordinances: A Guide for Units of Local Governments” in partnership with the UIC Law School Fair Housing Legal Support Center and Clinic. In accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act, this first-of-its-kind Guidebook helps local governments, public officials, housing providers, and others ensure that nuisance and crime-free ordinances in their community do not cause unlawful discrimination.

Overly broad ordinances may put local governments and housing providers at risk of violating federal, state, and local fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination in private and public residential housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, and familial status, among other protected factors.

IDHR and the UIC Law School Fair Housing Legal Support Center and Clinic developed this Guidebook to promote a greater understanding of the landscape of nuisance and crime-free ordinances and their potential conflict with constitutional rights and civil rights, and  their adverse impact on marginalized individuals and families who need access to fair and affordable housing the most.

This Guidebook was made possible through funding obtained from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Any Illinoisan who believes they have been a victim of housing-based discrimination may file a charge with IDHR or HUD within one year of the violation, or in federal or state court within two years of the violation.  To file a charge with IDHR, call (312) 814-6200 or visit our webpage on Filing a Charge.