Chillicothe — Ch. 50 Human Rights § 50-101
Definitions
Operative Text
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Covered multifamily dwellings mean: (1) Buildings consisting of four or more units if such buildings have one or more elevators; and (2) Ground floor units in other buildings consisting of four or more units. Familial status means one or more individuals (who have not attained the age of 18 years) being domiciled with: (1) A parent or person having legal custody of such individual; or (2) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. The protections afforded by this article against discrimination on the basis of familial status apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years. Housing accommodation includes any improved or unimproved real property, or part thereof, which is used or occupied, or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied, as the home or residence of one or more individuals. Real estate broker or salesman means a person, whether licensed or not, who, for or with the expectation of receiving a consideration, lists, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate any of these activities, or who holds himself out as engaged in these activities. Real estate transaction includes the sale, exchange, rental or lease of real property. The term "real estate transaction" also includes the brokering or appraising of residential real property and the making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance: (1) For purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a dwelling; or (2) Secured by residential real estate. Real property includes buildings, structures, real estate, lands, tenements, leaseholds, interests in real estate cooperatives, condominiums, and hereditaments, corporeal and incorporeal, or any interest therein. Cross reference-- Definitions generally, § 1-2 . State Law reference-- Similar provisions, 775 ILCS 5/3-101.
Section 50-101 of Chillicothe's Chapter 50 Human Rights ordinance establishes the foundational definitions that govern the division's fair housing and anti-discrimination rules. Key terms such as 'covered multifamily dwellings,' 'familial status,' 'housing accommodation,' 'real estate transaction,' and 'real property' are given specific meanings that apply throughout the division unless context requires otherwise. Notably, protections based on familial status extend not only to households with minor children but also to pregnant individuals and those in the process of obtaining legal custody of a minor.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chillicothe Ch. 50 § 50-101 should be aware that the definitions in this section set the scope of who and what is covered by the city's human rights protections. 'Covered multifamily dwellings' includes buildings of four or more units with elevators, as well as ground-floor units in other four-or-more-unit buildings, meaning operators of such properties are subject to the division's full requirements. Compliant operators generally apply the broad definition of 'familial status'—which includes pregnant individuals and those pursuing legal custody—when evaluating any housing accommodation or real estate transaction.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Chillicothe Ch. 50 § 50-101, tenants and prospective tenants benefit from definitions that broadly interpret who is protected and what types of housing and transactions are covered. The inclusion of pregnancy and the process of obtaining legal custody within the definition of 'familial status' means protections can apply even before a child is present in the household. Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination in a housing accommodation or real estate transaction may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or reviewing the remedies available under Chapter 50 to understand their options.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation