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.
Chicago Heights § 23-40.1 allows the city to skip forming 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. That contracted agency takes on the full scope of responsibilities—receiving complaints, investigating them, and enforcing the Fair Housing Ordinance—that would otherwise belong to a city committee. The agency must report regularly to the mayor on complaints received, ongoing investigations, and their outcomes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 23-40.1, fair housing complaint intake and enforcement in Chicago Heights may be handled by a contracted nonprofit agency rather than a city committee, and that agency holds the same authority as a formal fair housing committee would. Property owners and managers should be aware that a nonprofit fair housing organization may be the entity receiving and investigating any complaints filed against them. Compliant operators generally maintain fair, consistent, and well-documented rental practices so they are prepared to respond to inquiries from whichever body—city committee or contracted agency—administers Chapter 23, Article III obligations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 23-40.1 means that if Chicago Heights has contracted with a nonprofit fair housing counseling agency, that organization is the appropriate point of contact for filing a fair housing complaint under Chapter 23, Article III, and it carries the same investigative and enforcement powers as a city committee would. Tenants who believe their fair housing rights have been violated can reach out to that contracted agency to understand the complaint process and have their concerns formally received and investigated. Consulting a local tenant-rights organization can also help individuals understand which body is currently administering these functions and what options are available under the ordinance.
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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