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Fair Housing
The Housing Authority of the County of Cook (HACC) is committed to affirmatively furthering Fair Housing. To this end, the HACC works to provide opportunities for low- income families to secure housing opportunities outside of areas of poverty and minority concentration. It funds a Mobility Counseling Program and provides direct assistance to families to assist them in their search for housing in high opportunity areas. In high opportunity areas, there is good quality housing, more job opportunities, high performing schools, low crime rates and recreational services and facilities.
Fair Housing Act: Fair Housing is a right protected by the law. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race or color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and handicap/disability. Protection under familial status includes protection for children under the age of 18 who are living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under the age of 18.
What Housing is Covered: The Act covers most housing but in some circumstances exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four (4) units, single-family homes sold or rented without the use of a broker and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
What Is Prohibited: In transactions that involve the sale or rental of a home: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap/disability cannot be the reason that the property owner, manager or agent takes any of the following actions:
- Refuse to rent or sell housing
- Refuse to negotiate for housing
- Make housing unavailable
- Deny a dwelling
- Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
- Provide different housing services or facilities
- Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale or rental
- For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting)
- Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing
The above conduct is unlawful whether the person who engages in the conduct openly discriminates or uses subtle methods and techniques to violate the law.
Who To Contact: If you think you have been the victim of illegal discrimination you can complete the Housing Discrimination Information Form and forward it to HUD per the instructions on the form.
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