Chicago Heights — Ch. 23 Human Relations § 23
40.1. - Implementation by independent contractor
Operative Text
In lieu of establishing a fair housing committee as set forth above, the city pursuant to the approval of the city council, may enter an agreement with a reputable independent not for profit fair housing counseling agency to undertake the mandates set forth in chapter 23 , article III of the City Code of Ordinances, including the receiving of complaints, investigating of complaints and enforcement of the city's Fair Housing Ordinance. Such agency shall report regularly to the mayor advising of all complaints received, general activities and status on pending investigations and/or the resolution of same. Such agency shall possess all the same powers and responsibilities that would have been assigned to a fair housing committee as set forth in chapter 23 , article III.
Section 40.1 of Chicago Heights Ch. 23 Human Relations allows the city to forgo creating an internal fair housing committee and instead contract with a qualified nonprofit fair housing counseling agency to carry out the duties outlined in Chapter 23, Article III of the City Code of Ordinances. That agency would be authorized to receive and investigate fair housing complaints and enforce the city's Fair Housing Ordinance, holding the same powers that a formal committee would have held. The agency is required to report regularly to the mayor on complaints received, ongoing investigations, and their resolutions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Section 40.1 of Chicago Heights Ch. 23 Human Relations, the entity responsible for receiving and investigating fair housing complaints may be a contracted nonprofit agency rather than a city committee, depending on which implementation path the city has chosen. Compliant property operators generally familiarize themselves with whichever body is currently authorized to enforce the Fair Housing Ordinance so they know where complaints are directed and how investigations are conducted. Staying informed about the city's current enforcement structure helps operators understand the process they may encounter if a complaint is filed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 40.1 of Chicago Heights Ch. 23 Human Relations establishes that fair housing complaint intake and investigation may be handled by a contracted nonprofit agency rather than a city committee, and that agency carries the full enforcement authority described in Chapter 23, Article III. Tenants who believe they have experienced a fair housing violation can direct complaints to whichever body—city committee or contracted nonprofit agency—is currently authorized under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations and local legal aid offices can help individuals identify the correct agency and understand the complaint and investigation process.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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