Malta — Ch. 30 Human Relations § 30-44
Handicap
Operative Text
(a) It is a civil rights violation to refuse to sell or rent or to otherwise make unavailable or deny a dwelling to any buyer or renter because of a handicap of that buyer or renter, a handicap of a person residing or intending to reside in that dwelling after it is sold, rented or made available or a handicap of any person associated with the buyer or renter. (b) It is a civil rights violation to alter the terms, conditions or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling or the provision of services or facilities in connection with such dwelling because of a person's handicap or a handicap of any person residing or intending to reside in that dwelling after it is sold, rented or made available, or a handicap of any person associated with that person. (c) It is a civil rights violation: (1) To refuse to permit, at the expense of the handicapped person, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by such person if such modifications may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises; except that, in the case of a rental, the landlord may, where it is reasonable to do so, condition permission for a modification on the renter agreeing to restore the interior of the premises to the condition that existed before modifications, reasonable wear and tear excepted. The landlord may not increase for handicapped persons any customarily required security deposit. However, where it is necessary in order to ensure with reasonable certainty that funds will be available to pay for the restorations at the end of the tenancy, the landlord may negotiate as part of such a restoration agreement a provision requiring that the tenant pay into an interest bearing escrow account, over a reasonable period, a reasonable amount of money not to exceed the cost of the restorations. The interest in any such account shall accrue to the benefit of the tenant. A landlord may condition permission for a modification on the renter providing a reasonable description of the proposed modifications as well as reasonable assurances that the work will be done in a workmanlike manner and that any required building permits will be obtained. (2) To refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. (3) In connection with the design and construction of covered multifamily dwellings for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, to fail to design and construct those dwellings in such a manner that: a. The public use and common use portions of such dwellings are readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. b. All the doors designed to allow passage into and within all premises within such dwellings are sufficiently wide to allow passage by handicapped persons in wheelchairs. c. All premises within such dwellings contain the following features of adaptive design: 1. An accessible route into and through the dwelling; 2. Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls in accessible locations; 3. Reinforcements in bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars; and 4. Usable kitchens and bathrooms such that an individual in a wheelchair can maneuver about the space. (d) Compliance with the appropriate standards of the Illinois Accessibility Code for Adaptable Dwelling Units (71 Ill. Admin. Code 400.350(e)1-6) suffices to satisfy the requirements of subsection (c)(3)c of this section. State Law reference-- Similar provisions, 775 ILCS 5/3-102.1.
Malta Ch. 30 § 30-44 prohibits housing discrimination based on handicap, covering refusals to sell or rent, changes to terms or conditions, and denials of reasonable modifications or accommodations. Landlords and sellers cannot treat buyers, renters, or their associates differently because of a disability. For covered multifamily buildings first occupied after March 13, 1991, the law also sets specific design and construction standards to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Malta Ch. 30 § 30-44, compliant housing operators do not refuse to sell or rent based on a buyer's, renter's, or associated person's handicap, and do not alter lease terms or services on that basis. When a tenant with a handicap requests a reasonable modification at their own expense, operators generally permit it, and may require a written description of the work, proof that permits will be obtained, and a restoration agreement — but may not raise the standard security deposit for handicapped tenants. Operators of covered multifamily dwellings built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, ensure that design and construction meet the accessibility standards referenced in § 30-44(c)(3), with compliance with the Illinois Accessibility Code for Adaptable Dwelling Units serving as a recognized benchmark under § 30-44(d).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Malta Ch. 30 § 30-44 gives tenants and buyers with a handicap the right not to be refused housing, subjected to different terms, or denied reasonable modifications or accommodations because of their disability or the disability of someone associated with them. If a landlord refuses a reasonable modification or accommodation, or imposes discriminatory conditions, that refusal may constitute a civil rights violation under § 30-44, which tenants can raise as a defense in housing proceedings or as the basis for a complaint with a civil rights enforcement body. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help individuals understand what options may be 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 November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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