Where to File Housing Discrimination Complaints

The following table provides general guidance. This is not a guarantee of coverage. Certain exceptions and limitations may apply. You may be able to file your claim with more than one agency. Please telephone an agency if you have questions.

Agencies to Contact Chicago Commission on Human Relations Cook County Commission on Human Rights Illinois Department of Human Rights U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
Types of Discrimination Covered Race
Color
Religion
Sex (including sexual harassment)
National Origin
Ancestry
Age
Marital Status
Disability
Parental Status
Sexual Orientation
Source of Income
Military Discharge   Status
Gender Identity		 Race
Color
Religion
Sex (including sexual harassment)
National Origin
Ancestry
Age
Marital Status
Disability
Parental Status
Sexual Orientation
Source of Income
Military Discharge   Status
Retaliation
Aiding/Abetting Willful Interference
Gender Identity		 Race
Color
Religion
Sex (including sexual harassment)
National Origin
Ancestry
Age
Marital Status
Disability
Familial Status
Unfavorable Military Discharge Status
Retaliation
Aiding/Abetting Willful Interference and Coercion		 Race
Color
Religion
Sex(including sexual harassment)
National Origin
Disability
Familial Status
Retaliation Intimidation and Coercion
How to report discrimination based on gender identity (suggested) Gender identity covered. Gender identity to be covered 60 days after passage. (Amendment passed 11/19/02, effective 1/20/03) Gender identity and sexual orientation not covered. File complaint on basis of disability with proof of gender identity disorder Gender identity and sexual orientation not covered. File complaint on basis of sex
Geographic Limitations Housing located within the City of Chicago Housing located within Cook County Housing located within Illinois Housing located within U.S. or U.S. territories
Time Limitations Must file within 180 days of the alleged violation Must file within 180 days of the alleged violation Must file within one year of the alleged violation Must file within one year of the alleged violation
Who Can Be Sued All persons who have right to sell, rent or lease any housing accommodation within Chicago and their agents lenders under credit transaction provisions All persons who have right to sell, rent or lease any housing unit within Cook County and their agents and persons engaged in other aspects of real estate transactions, such as lenders and brokers All real property owners, sales and rental agents, builders, lenders, appraisers, and other persons involved in real estate transactions Most residential housing owners (some exceptions apply - see intake), sales and rental agents, builders, lenders and appraisers municipalities Advertisers
Kinds of Relief Available

Make whole damages(such as moving expenses, rent differentials and emotional distress damages)
Punitive Damages
Fines to the City
Injunctive Relief (such as order to sell/rent)



Attorneys Fees for prevailing Complainant

 Make whole damages (such as moving expenses, rent differentials and emotional distress damages)
Punitive Damages
Fines to the County Injunctive Relief, including emergency relief (such as order to cease eviction or order to sell/rent)
Attorneys Fees for prevailing Complainant		 Make whole damages (such as moving expenses, rent differentials and emotional distress damages)

Fines to State
Injunctive Relief, including emergency relief (such as order to cease eviction or order to sell/rent)
Attorneys Fees for prevailing Complainant		 Make whole damages(such as moving expenses, rent differentials and emotional distress damages)
Punitive Damages
Fines to Agency
Injunctive Relief, including emergency relief (such as order to cease eviction or order to sell/rent)
Attorneys Fees for prevailing Complainant
Agency Contact Information Chicago Commission on Human Relations

740 N. Sedgwick,
Third Floor
Chicago, IL 60610

(312) 744-2852
(312) 744-1088 (TDD)
(312) 744-1081 (FAX)		 Cook County Commission on Human Rights

9 W. Washington St. Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 603-1100
(312) 603-1101 (TDD)
(312) 603-9988 (FAX)		 Illinois Department of Human Rights

James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph
Suite 10-100
Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 814-6200
(312) 263-1579 (TDD)
1-800-662-3942 (Toll free housing discrimination line)
(312) 814-1541 (Fax)		 U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

77 W. Jackson,
Suite 2101
Chicago, IL 60604-3507
(312) 353-7776
1-800-669-9777 (Toll free)
1-800-927-9275 (TDD)
(312) 886-2837 (FAX)
Office Hours

Filing Hours:
Monday through Friday
9:00 - 5:00 (2 copies of all filings required)

Intake Hours:
Monday through Friday
9:00 - 5:00

 Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:30 - 5:00

Intake Hours:
Monday through Friday 8:30 - 5:00		 Office Hours: Monday through Friday
8:30 - 5:00

Intake Hours:
Monday through Thursday
8:30 - 5:00		 Office Hours: Monday through Friday
8:15 - 4:45

Intake Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:15 - 4:45
Other Forms of Discrimination Covered Employment
Public Accommodations
Credit Transactions		 Employment
Public Accommodations
Credit Transactions		 Employment
Public Accommodations
Credit Transactions
Sexual Harassment in Higher Education		  

Table courtesy of the City of Chicago, Commission on Human Relations.
www.cityofchicago.org/humanrelations/