Rochelle — Ch. 58 Human Relations § 58-32
Definitions
Operative Text
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Discrimination or discriminatory housing practice means any difference in treatment based upon race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, handicap, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service as those terms are defined in 775 ILCS 5/1-103, and familial status, as defined in 775 ILCS 5/3-101(E), or any act that is unlawful under this article. Financial institution includes any bank, credit union, insurance company, mortgage banking company or savings and loan association which operates or has a place of business in this state. Housing accommodation or dwelling means 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. Mortgage broker means an individual who is engaged in or who performs the business or services of a mortgage broker as the same are defined by statutes. Open market means the market which is informed of the availability for sale, purchase, rental or lease of any housing accommodation, whether informed through a real estate broker or by advertising by publication, signs or by any other advertising methods directed to the public or any portion thereof, indicating that the property is available for sale, purchase, rental or lease. Owner includes a lessee, sublessee, cotenant, assignee, managing agent or other person having the right of ownership or possession, or the right to sell, rent or lease any housing accommodation. Person includes individuals, children, firms, associations, joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations and all other groups or combinations. Real estate broker or real estate 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. Real property includes buildings, structures, lands, tenements, leaseholds, cooperatives and condominiums.
Rochelle Ch. 58 § 58-32 establishes the vocabulary that governs the rest of the city's human-relations article on housing. It defines key terms—such as what counts as discriminatory treatment, who qualifies as an 'owner,' and what types of properties are covered—so that the rules apply consistently throughout the article. Protected characteristics include race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, disability, military status, and familial status, among others. These definitions set the boundaries for who and what the anti-discrimination provisions cover.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochelle Ch. 58 § 58-32, the definition of 'owner' is broad enough to include not just titleholders but also lessees, managing agents, and others with the right to rent or lease a housing accommodation. Operators who manage properties on behalf of others should be aware that they may fall within the article's scope and obligations. Understanding these definitions helps property managers recognize which transactions and properties are subject to the city's fair-housing requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rochelle Ch. 58 § 58-32 defines the protected characteristics and covered housing situations that form the foundation of the city's anti-discrimination rules. If a tenant believes they have experienced unequal treatment in renting or leasing based on characteristics such as race, familial status, disability, or military status, this definitional section clarifies whether their situation falls within the article's scope. Tenants can consult a local tenant-rights organization or the city's human-relations office to better understand how these definitions apply and what complaint or enforcement options may be available.
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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