In the near future, landlords in Illinois will have a legal obligation to rent properties to individuals who are residing in the country without proper immigration status. This change in the law aims to expand the rental market and provide housing opportunities to a large number of potential renters, considering the high housing costs, especially in major metropolitan areas like Chicago.
Recently, Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois approved SB 1817, which will amend the Illinois Human Rights Act to include “immigration status” as a protected category. As a result, landlords throughout Illinois will be prohibited from refusing potential renters solely based on their immigration status. This law disregards the fact that individuals without legal immigration status can potentially face deportation according to U.S. immigration laws.
“This law sets clear boundaries, protecting the rights of immigrants and ensuring that financial institutions and service providers cannot engage in discriminatory practices. Putting these protections in place will promote fairness to ensure people are not unjustly denied housing,” State Senator Ann Gillespie, who belongs to the Democratic Party, expressed her views.
The introduction of these new regulations coincides with persistently high rental prices in major urban centers across the country, including Chicago. Based on a study conducted by Apartments.com, the average monthly cost of renting an apartment in Chicago is $1,863, with certain apartments exceeding $3,000 per month. On average, housing expenses in the city have surged by 9% compared to the same period last year, demonstrating a consistent upward trend over the years.
“Where you were born has nothing to do with the ability to pay rent on time, which is what the relationship between a landlord and a tenant should really be about. I’m proud that in signing this bill, we’re making Illinois the first state in the Midwest to protect our immigrant tenants and give them a little more relief in these tumultuous times. Here in Illinois, we are, and always will be, a welcoming state,” Governor Pritzker expressed his views on the matter.
Illinois will be granting unauthorized immigrants access to healthcare services in the United States, although the state has made some modifications to its original plans. Since 2020, Illinois has been offering public insurance to noncitizens, making it the first state to provide coverage for noncitizens aged 65 and above. In 2022, the program was expanded to include noncitizens aged 42 and older.
