The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance or engaging in other housing-related activities.  The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In very limited circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family houses sold or rented by the owner without the use of an agent, and housing operated by religious organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

An impediment to housing is defined by HUD as "any actions, omissions, or decisions that restrict the availability of housing choices, based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin". Policies, practices or procedures that appear neutral but which operate to deny or adversely affect the provision of housing as described above may be an impediment. In Illinois, additional protection under state fair housing law is extended to include discrimination based on ancestry, age, marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation or unfavorable discharge from military service.  In Cook County, additional protected classes include source of income, gender status and housing status.

The Village of Schaumburg is committed to furthering fair housing through ordinance and housing and community development programs. To support this commitment, the Village has completed an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Residents with questions regarding fair housing can contact the village by dialing 311 or emailing Chidochashe Baker, Community Planner, at cbaker@schaumburg.com.

Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination comes in many forms and is often subtle. Some signs of possible discrimination include:

• A refusal to sell, rent, or show available housing
• Requiring different terms and conditions for identical dwellings (i.e. charging higher rent, security deposit for different tenants)
• Being told that the dwelling isn’t right for you or your family
• Being told that housing isn’t available in an apartment with a “For Rent” sign
• Housing advertisements that say “no kids” or “adults only”
• A refusal to make a reasonable accommodation or allow a modification to make the dwelling accessible for a person with a disability
• Offering non-standard and unfavorable terms in the purchase of a home or property insurance
• Terms of availability that change between a phone contact and an in-person visit
• Being steered to racially segregated neighborhoods during your home search
• Excessive or inappropriate questioning upon requesting information about a dwelling

Filing a Fair Housing Complaint

If you believe you have been discriminated against and wish to file a complaint you may do so with one of the agencies below:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • Complaints can be filed on HUD's website or by contacting the local HUD Fair Housing Office at (312) 353-7776 or (800) 765-9372.
• Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR
  • Complaints can be filed in person or in writing to IDHR. Please follow the instructions on IDHR's website to file a complaint.Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)

Fair housing agencies are also available to support residents who believe they may have been discriminated against:

• Open Communities
• HOPE Fair Housing