A landlord refuses to show you an apartment or accept your application after learning you have children, use a housing voucher, or have a disability.
Discriminatory advertising
You see rental ads that say "no children," "Section 8 not accepted," or "English speakers only."
Different terms or conditions
You are charged a higher security deposit, higher rent, or additional fees that others do not pay. Or your landlord enforces rules against you (like guest policies or parking) but not against other tenants.
Denied reasonable accommodation
You request reasonable accommodation for your disability—like permission to have a service animal despite a no-pets policy, or installation of grab bars in your bathroom—and your landlord refuses without good reason or won’t talk about it.
Harassment or hostile environment
Your landlord makes unwelcome sexual advances or comments, or creates a hostile living environment based on your race, religion, or another protected characteristic.
Retaliation for asserting rights
After you complain about discrimination or assert your tenant rights, your landlord retaliates by raising your rent, refusing to renew your lease, filing for eviction, or making your living conditions worse.
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Do You Want to File a Charge?
If you believe you've experienced housing discrimination, you have options. Filing a charge with IDHR starts an investigation into your complaint. Here's what you need to know.
Before you file:
You must file within a specific timeframe
You can file even if you no longer live there
Filing is free
You do not need a lawyer
You can file against landlords, property owners, management companies, or real estate professionals
What happens when you file: