IDHR issues reminder of Fair
Housing Rights during Holiday season
State law prohibits targeted,
discriminatory restrictions on decorations and celebrations
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[December 13, 2016]
CHICAGO
– As Illinois residents prepare for a diverse array of holiday
celebrations in and around their homes, the Illinois Department of
Human Rights (IDHR) urges renters and property owners to be
knowledgeable of fair housing laws that provide protections against
religious discrimination. The reminder comes as many landlords and
homeowner associations may be establishing rules as to allowable
displays, decorations, and celebrations, many of which may appear
discriminatory in nature.
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The Illinois Human Rights Act forbids targeted restrictions,
harassment, or other discriminatory acts based on an individual’s
perceived or actual religion. Possible discriminatory acts towards
residents or tenants may come from a housing provider, an employee
of the provider, property management company representatives, or
other tenants.
“We are hopeful that housing providers, property managers, and
residents remain appreciative of the rich diversity of Illinois and
are mindful of potential discriminatory acts, whether intentional or
unintentional,” said IDHR Acting Director Janice Glenn. “The
department urges housing providers and homeowners to ensure that
rules are not written or enforced in a discriminatory manner.”
While a landlord or condominium association may establish reasonable
rules regulating the size, location or duration of the holiday
decorations, those rules must be evenly enforced and give equal
consideration to all religions in order to avoid creating a
disparate impact amongst residents or interfering with a resident’s
ability to practice their religion.
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If residents or homeowners are suspicious of housing discrimination based on
religion, IDHR suggests keeping a record of any meetings and phone calls,
including names, addresses, receipts, as well as any written policies relay. For
more information, please contact IDHR’s Fair Housing Division at (312)-814-6229
or visit www.illinois.gov/dhr.
[Illinois Department of Human Rights]
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