Harwood Heights — Title 19 Fair Housing § 19.04.040
Definitions
Operative Text
"Board" means the Village of Harwood Heights Board of Trustees. "Discriminate" means to treat any person differently from others because of factors set forth in Section 19.04.010 . "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, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, 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 19.04.010 so as to promote or maintain segregation.
Section 19.04.040 of Harwood Heights Title 19 Fair Housing establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the Village's fair housing rules. Key terms such as "discriminate," "steering," "owner," and "real estate transaction" are given specific legal meanings that shape how the broader ordinance is interpreted and applied. For example, "steering" is defined to cover attempts to influence where someone chooses to live based on protected characteristics in order to promote or maintain segregation, and "discriminate" is tied directly to the protected factors listed in Section 19.04.010. These definitions set the boundaries for what conduct the ordinance regulates across all types of real estate dealings, from rentals and leases to purchases and negotiations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Harwood Heights should be familiar with the definitions in § 19.04.040, because these terms determine the scope of conduct covered by the Village's fair housing rules. The definition of "owner" is broad, encompassing those who hold legal, equitable, or beneficial interests in real estate, meaning that various ownership structures do not limit applicability of the ordinance. Compliant operators generally ensure that their communications, listings, and leasing practices avoid any conduct that could constitute "steering" or "discrimination" as those terms are specifically defined in this section and tied to the protected characteristics in § 19.04.010.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 19.04.040 provides tenants with a clear framework for understanding what conduct may be prohibited under Harwood Heights' fair housing rules. The broad definitions of "lease," "offer," and "real estate transaction" mean that protections can apply at multiple stages of the housing process, from initial inquiries and showings through signing a sublease or assignment. Tenants who believe they have experienced "discrimination" or "steering" as defined in this section may consider contacting the Village of Harwood Heights Board of Trustees, a local fair housing organization, or a tenant-rights group to learn about available complaint processes.
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