Evanston, Ill., City Code tit. 5 (2026) § 5-5-11
PRIVATE REMEDIES (Evanston Housing Regulations)
Operative Text
Any person aggrieved in any manner by the violation of this Chapter, may commence a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to obtain appropriate relief with respect to such discriminatory housing practice or breach. If the court finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred, the court may grant the following relief: (A) An order compelling compliance with this Chapter. (B) An order to prohibit any person found by the court to have violated any provision of this Chapter from the sale, lease, exchange, transfer, conveyance or assignment of any real property, by any person who in violation of this Chapter refuses or fails to perform such contract. (C) Compensatory damages and punitive damages, including damages caused by humiliation and embarrassment. (D) Such other and further relief as may seem appropriate to the court for the enforcement of this Chapter and the elimination of violations thereof. (E) In a civil action under this Chapter, the court may allow the prevailing party a reasonable attorney's fee and costs. These remedies shall be available notwithstanding the imposition of other penalties provided by this Chapter.
Evanston City Code § 5-5-11 establishes that anyone harmed by a discriminatory housing practice prohibited under the Chapter may file a civil lawsuit in court. If a court finds a violation occurred, it has broad authority to order the violator to comply with the law, bar them from future real estate transactions, and award the injured party compensatory and punitive damages—including damages for humiliation and embarrassment. The court may also award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing party, and these civil remedies are available on top of any other penalties the Chapter imposes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Evanston should be aware that § 5-5-11 creates significant financial and operational exposure for discriminatory housing practices. A court finding a violation can issue orders halting real estate activity, require compliance, and impose compensatory and punitive damages—including emotional-harm damages—as well as attorney's fees for the prevailing party. Compliant operators generally maintain documented, consistent, and non-discriminatory policies for tenant screening, leasing, and property transactions to reduce the risk of civil action under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Evanston City Code § 5-5-11, tenants or applicants who believe they have been subjected to a discriminatory housing practice have the right to bring a civil lawsuit in a court of competent jurisdiction. If successful, a court can order the landlord to comply with the law, award compensatory and punitive damages (including for humiliation and embarrassment), and potentially require the other side to pay attorney's fees and costs. Those who believe their rights have been violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or fair housing agency to learn more about the options available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.