From DuPage County:
In recognition of Fair Housing Month, DuPage County residents are encouraged to learn more about their rights through the Fair Housing Act that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing.
Chairman Dan Cronin said this year marks the 45th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act that guarantees the right of all Americans equal housing opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap.
“All of us have the right to equal treatment when looking for housing. Too often discrimination on the basis of race, creed, disability or sexual orientation is a reality for many people today. DuPage County is committed to working with our community partners to combat this reality,” Cronin said Wednesday in a statement.
Upon acceptance of Federal Community Development Block Grant funds, the County certifies every year that it will “affirmatively further fair housing.” Efforts are made to mitigate housing obstacles people encounter as identified through the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Study.
Through its partnership with HOPE Fair Housing, the County supports the investigation of complaints from residents as well as education and outreach efforts.
Residents are reminded that under the Federal Fair Housing Act the following are generally prohibited:
- Refusing to sell or rent, or deny a dwelling because of a person’s protected status;
- Imposing different terms or conditions (i.e. higher rent or additional security deposit) because of a person’s protected status;
- Making discriminatory statements or publishing discriminatory communications;
- Lying about availability of a dwelling because of a person’s protected status;
- Blockbusting, which refers to the practice of real estate agents telling homeowners that people of a particular race, religion or other protected class are moving into their neighborhood so they will sell at a deflated price;
- Retaliating against, interfering with or intimidating a person exercising his/her fair housing rights; and
- Aiding or compelling a person to violate the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act.
For more information on Fair Housing, visit www.dupageco.org/fairhousing. To report a housing violation, contact DuPage County Community Services at (630) 407-6500, HOPE Fair Housing at (630) 690-6500 or www.hopefair.org.