Skip to content

Why does this site look like this?

Your browser cannot understand our style and presentation information so the page has been rendered without it. You're welcome to use the page as is (the content is still completely accessible to you), or upgrade your browser to its latest version. See your browser's website for more information about upgrading to a newer standards compliant version.

The Housing Site
Illinois Fair Housing Initiative

Real Estate Practices

Real Estate Practices

The broker/owner of a company/office has the legal and ethical responsibility to do everything in his/her power to prevent any of his/her sales associates or employees from committing any act or making any statement which could be perceived as discriminatory, based on the seven protected class groups covered under the Federal Fair Housing Law, including the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988 which are RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, FAMILIAL STATUS OR HANDICAP.

The courts have ruled that the BROKER/OWNER IS RESPONSIBLE for the acts of his/her sales associates and employees in fair housing matters. Therefore, a company/office may not be in a position to defend sales associates or employees charged in fair housing matters if office policies and procedures have not been followed.

In fact, acts of discrimination will be grounds for termination or other disciplinary action.

"Familial status" denotes children up to the age of eighteen (18) living with parents; "handicap" denotes physical and/or mental impairment.

The Illinois Human Rights Act also prohibits discrimination against persons because of marital status, ancestry or unfavorable military discharge, age, military status.

Local Housing Laws and Ordinances may include additional "protected classes" in addition to those covered by federal and state laws.

NOTE: Broker/owners should have a Policy and Procedure Manual for Equal Housing Opportunity. This Policy Manual should be distributed to each office individual. A sample is available from the Illinois Association of REALTORS®.

Real Estate License Act 2000

Public Act 093-0957

Amendments to Real Estate License Act 2000

Real Estate Regulation Transfer Act

Residential Real Property Disclosure Act

Illinois Compiled Statutes -- Division of Banks and Real Estate

For more Illinois Laws regarding the purchase and sale of real property

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Bureau of Real Estate Professions

Fair Housing Quiz

Fair Housing is a Serious Matter: A Guide for Real Estate Professionals

Fair Housing Brochure of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®

2006 State of Fair Housing Report

The Housing Discrimination Study 2000

Discrimination in Metropolitan Housing Markets

How Much Do We Know?

Public Awareness of the Nation's Fair Housing Laws

Equal Opportunity for All - English

Department of Housing and Urban Development's fair housing informational resource book.

Vivienda Equitativa: Igualdad de oportunidades para todos - Spanish

Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos, Oficina de Vivienda Justa e Igualdad de Oportunidades