Bolingbrook — Ch. 28 Human Relations and Social Services § 28-19
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: Commercial/industrial property means any property that is zoned in such a manner that either a commercial use or an industrial use is permitted thereon by virtue of the codes and ordinances of the village. Familial status means one or more individuals (who have not attained the age of 18 years) being domiciled with a parent or other person having legal custody of such individuals or 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 accommodations 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. Lease includes lease, assignment, and rent (or rental) and includes any contract to do any of the foregoing. Lending institution means any bank, insurance company, savings and loan association, other person in the business of lending money or guaranteeing loans, any person in the business of obtaining, arranging or negotiating loans or guarantees as agent or broker, and any person in the business of buying loans or instruments for the payment of money which are secured by title to or a security interest in real property, but shall not include any religious institution or organization nor any charitable or educational organization operated, supervised or controlled by a religious institution or organization. National origin includes national origin and ancestors. Owner means any person who holds legal or equitable title or owns any beneficial interest in any real property or holds legal or equitable title to shares of, or holds any beneficial interest in, any real estate cooperative which owns any real property. Purchase includes any contract to purchase. 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 property, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate any of these activities, or who holds himself out as engaged in these. Real estate transaction includes the sale, exchange, rental or lease of real property and also includes the brokering or appraising of residential real property and the making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a dwelling or 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. Residential property means any property which is zoned in such a manner that a residential use is permitted thereon by virtue of the codes and ordinances of the village. Sale includes any contract to sell, exchange or convey, transfer or assign legal or equitable title to or beneficial interest in real property. Solicitation means any conduct designed or intended to induce the owner of any real property to sell, rent, exchange, convey, transfer or list for sale or rental such real property.
Section 28-19 of Bolingbrook's Human Relations and Social Services chapter establishes the precise meanings of key terms used throughout the article's fair housing and anti-discrimination rules. Definitions cover a broad range of concepts — from "familial status" (which includes pregnant individuals and those seeking legal custody of minors) to "real estate transaction" (which extends beyond simple sales to include brokering, appraising, and financing). These definitions set the interpretive foundation for all rights, obligations, and prohibitions that follow in the article.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 28-19, property owners and managers should be aware that the article's definitions are intentionally broad — for example, "housing accommodations" covers both improved and unimproved property intended for residential use, and "owner" encompasses those holding equitable or beneficial interests, not just legal title. Operators who engage in leasing, selling, or financing residential property should recognize that "real estate transaction" in this section includes brokering, appraising, and arranging financial assistance. Understanding these definitions helps ensure that compliance efforts address the full scope of activities regulated by the article.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 28-19 defines "familial status" in a way that extends protections to households with children under 18, as well as to individuals who are pregnant or in the process of obtaining legal custody of a minor — meaning a broader group of renters may be covered by the article's anti-discrimination provisions than they might expect. The definition of "housing accommodations" is also expansive, potentially covering a wide variety of living arrangements. Tenants who believe they have experienced discrimination in connection with any of these defined terms may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or the village of Bolingbrook for guidance on available remedies under this article.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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