South Chicago Heights — Ch. 30 Fair Housing § 30-5
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings: Administering agency means the agency designated by the president and board of trustees of the municipality to investigate, conciliate, receive and initiate complaints pertaining to violations of this chapter. Adjudicative agency means the agency designated by the president and board of trustees of the municipality to conduct hearings and adjudicate charges of violations of this chapter. Board means the fair housing review board. Commission means the human relations commission. Discriminate means to treat any person differently from others because of factors set forth in section 30-2 . Hearing agency means the agency designated by the president and board of trustees of the municipality to conduct hearings on, and adjudicate question of, ordinance violations. Lease includes any sublease, assignment, or rental and any contract to enter into any of the foregoing. Offer means and includes every attempt by means of written or oral communications to present for acceptance or rejection, to hold out or proffer, to make a proposal to; or to exhibit real estate that may be taken or received with the intention of ultimately entering a real estate transaction. Owner means any person who holds legal or equitable title to, or owns any beneficial interest in, any real estate, or who holds legal or equitable title to shares of, or any beneficial interest in, an equity which owns any real estate. Person includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnership, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, and mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, and unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and fiduciaries. Real estate transaction means the purchase of, sale or fee or equitable title to, or beneficial interest in, or rental or lease of, any real property, or an option to do any of the foregoing, or any negotiation, listing, contract, or agreement in connection therewith. Steering means influencing or attempting to influence by words or acts the choice or location of housing of a perspective purchaser, occupant, or tenant, in connection with viewing, buying, leasing or occupying real estate based on factors set forth in section 30-2 so as to promote or maintain segregation.
South Chicago Heights Ch. 30 Fair Housing § 30-5 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the chapter's fair housing rules. Key terms such as 'discriminate,' 'steering,' 'owner,' 'real estate transaction,' and 'offer' are given specific legal meanings that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. For example, 'discriminate' is defined as treating any person differently based on the protected factors listed in § 30-2, and 'steering' covers attempts to influence housing choices in ways that promote or maintain segregation. These definitions shape the scope of who is covered, what conduct is regulated, and which agencies are responsible for enforcement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under South Chicago Heights Ch. 30 Fair Housing § 30-5 should be aware that the chapter's definitions are intentionally broad. The term 'owner' encompasses those holding legal title, equitable title, or beneficial interests, meaning a wide range of parties involved in real estate can be subject to the chapter's requirements. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with defined terms like 'offer,' 'real estate transaction,' and 'steering' to ensure their communications and practices do not fall within prohibited conduct as described in the broader chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
South Chicago Heights Ch. 30 Fair Housing § 30-5 defines the terms that determine whether conduct in a housing search or tenancy may constitute a fair housing violation. The broad definition of 'person' means protections can extend to individuals, organizations, and other entities, while 'steering' and 'discriminate' cover a wide range of actions that could affect a tenant's housing choices. Tenants who believe they have experienced conduct that fits these defined terms may consider raising the issue with the municipality's designated administering agency, the fair housing review board, or a local tenant-rights organization for general information about available 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