Rock Falls — Ch. 12 Human Relations § 12-20
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: Dwelling means any building or portion thereof containing one or more dwelling units, or any parcel of land offered for sale or lease for the construction or placement of such building. Dwelling unit means one or more rooms designated or used as living quarters by one family. Financial institution means any bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or any other person or firm whose business consists, in whole or in part, of making or guaranteeing loans. Housing is a synonym for dwelling . Rent means to lease, sublease, let or otherwise grant or receive for consideration the right to occupy any dwelling not owned by the occupant. State Law reference-- Definitions relating to human rights and real estate transactions, 775 ILCS 5/1-103, 5/3-101.
Section 12-20 of Rock Falls Ch. 12 Human Relations establishes the foundational definitions that govern the rest of the article's human-relations and fair-housing rules. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'dwelling unit,' 'financial institution,' and 'rent' are given specific meanings so that the article's protections and prohibitions apply consistently. The definitions align with concepts found in Illinois state law, particularly 775 ILCS 5/1-103 and 5/3-101, which address human rights and real estate transactions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Rock Falls should be aware that the definitions in § 12-20 set the scope of who and what is covered under the city's human-relations article. Because 'dwelling' includes any building or portion thereof with one or more dwelling units—and 'rent' is defined broadly to include leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration—a wide range of rental arrangements fall within the article's reach. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these definitions to understand how the article's substantive requirements apply to their properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
The definitions in Rock Falls Ch. 12 § 12-20 help determine whether a particular living arrangement or housing transaction is covered by the city's human-relations protections. Because 'rent' is defined broadly and 'dwelling' encompasses a wide variety of structures, many types of rental situations—not just traditional apartment leases—may fall under the article's protections. Tenants who believe their housing situation is covered can consult a tenant-rights organization or review the Illinois Human Rights Act provisions referenced at 775 ILCS 5/1-103 and 5/3-101 to better understand available options.
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