Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Human Rights Act provides broader protections than federal fair housing
- Illinois protects additional classes including familial status, ancestry, and military status
- The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) enforces fair housing laws
- Complaints must be filed within 1 year with IDHR
- Sexual harassment is a form of prohibited discrimination in housing
Last updated: January 2026
Illinois Fair Housing Law
The Illinois Human Rights Act provides fair housing protections beyond federal law.
Important: This section covers Illinois-specific content only. For national fair housing concepts, see our Real Estate Salesperson exam prep.
Federal vs. Illinois Protected Classes
Federal Fair Housing Act (7 Classes)
| Protected Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Race | All races |
| Color | Skin color |
| National Origin | Country of origin |
| Religion | All faiths |
| Sex | Including gender identity |
| Familial Status | Families with children |
| Disability | Physical and mental |
Illinois Human Rights Act (Additional)
| IL Protected Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Ancestry | Family heritage |
| Marital Status | Single, married, etc. |
| Military Status | Veterans, active duty |
| Order of Protection | Domestic violence victims |
| Unfavorable military discharge | Except dishonorable |
| Sexual Orientation | LGBTQ+ |
| Gender Identity | Transgender |
| Pregnancy | Including childbirth |
Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Complaints | Receive and investigate |
| Enforcement | Enforce Human Rights Act |
| Education | Outreach and training |
| Penalties | Recommend remedies |
Filing Complaints
With IDHR
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 1 year from violation |
| Process | Written complaint |
| Investigation | IDHR investigates |
| Hearing | If substantial evidence |
Remedies Available
| Remedy | Description |
|---|---|
| Compensatory damages | Actual losses |
| Emotional distress | Mental anguish |
| Civil penalties | Fines |
| Injunctive relief | Stop discrimination |
| Attorney fees | Legal costs |
Sexual Harassment in Housing
Illinois explicitly prohibits sexual harassment:
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Quid pro quo | Favors for housing |
| Hostile environment | Unwelcome conduct |
| Retaliation | For rejecting advances |
Prohibited Practices
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Steering | Directing to/from areas |
| Blockbusting | Panic peddling |
| Redlining | Denying services by area |
| Discriminatory advertising | Preference statements |
| Refusal to rent/sell | Based on protected class |
| Different terms | Based on protected class |
Exemptions
| Exempt | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Owner-occupied 4 units | Mrs. Murphy exemption |
| Religious organizations | Non-commercial housing |
| Private clubs | For members only |
| Senior housing | 55+ or 62+ |
Note: Real estate licensees can NEVER discriminate even if owner is exempt.
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Test Your Knowledge
Which protected class is covered by Illinois law but NOT federal fair housing law?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
How long does a person have to file a fair housing complaint with IDHR?
A
B
C
D