Aurora — Art. 22-II Housing Discrimination § 22-16
Commission On Human Relations Created
Operative Text
In accordance with Section 11-11.1-1 of the Illinois Municipal Code, other provisions of law, and the home rule authority of the city, there is created a commission on human relations (hereafter "Human Relations Commission"). It is the express intent of this chapter to further the policy of the United States and the State of Illinois as expressed in their constitutions and law; to further understanding among people; and to protect and insure peace, health, safety and the general welfare of all inhabitants of the city. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the City that: Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation or unfavorable discharge from military service is hereby prohibited in connection with employment, real estate transactions, access to financial credit, and the availability of public accommodations; and Sexual harassment and discrimination based on citizenship status is hereby prohibited in connection with employment; and Discrimination based on familial status is hereby prohibited in connection with real estate transactions. (Ord. No. O12-043, § 1, 6-12-12) HISTORY Amended by Ord. O21-039 on 7/27/2021 Amended by Ord. O23-045 on 6/27/2023
Aurora's Art. 22-II Housing Discrimination § 22-16 establishes a Commission on Human Relations and declares the city's formal policy against discrimination. Under this provision, discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, familial status, and several other protected characteristics is prohibited across employment, real estate transactions, financial credit, and public accommodations. Sexual harassment and discrimination based on citizenship status are additionally prohibited in the employment context, and familial status discrimination is specifically barred in real estate transactions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Aurora should be aware that § 22-16 explicitly prohibits discriminatory practices in real estate transactions on the basis of a broad range of protected characteristics, including race, religion, disability, familial status, and sexual orientation, among others. Compliant operators generally apply consistent, documented criteria when screening applicants, setting terms, and managing properties, ensuring that no protected characteristic influences those decisions. The Aurora Human Relations Commission, created under this same provision, serves as the oversight body for these anti-discrimination policies.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Aurora Art. 22-II § 22-16, tenants and prospective tenants have the right to be free from discrimination in real estate transactions based on characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, and sexual orientation, among others. If a tenant believes they have experienced discriminatory treatment in housing, one general path is to file a complaint with the Aurora Human Relations Commission, which was established by this very provision to uphold these protections. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can also help individuals understand what options may be available under this chapter.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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