Rock Falls — Ch. 12 Human Relations § 12-34
Steering
Operative Text
It is unlawful, for profit, to induce or attempt to induce any person to refrain from buying or renting a dwelling: (1) By making representations (whether true or false), that occupants or prospective occupants of other dwellings in the neighborhood where the dwelling is located are persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, creed, ancestry, national origin, or physical or mental handicap; or (2) By showing the potential buyer/renter available dwellings only in certain neighborhoods, because the potential buyer/renter is a person of a particular race, color, religion, sex, creed, ancestry, national origin, or physical or mental handicap.
Rock Falls Ch. 12 Human Relations § 12-34 prohibits a form of housing discrimination known as 'steering,' which occurs when someone profits by discouraging a person from buying or renting a home. The prohibition covers two specific tactics: making representations about the demographic characteristics of a neighborhood's residents, and selectively showing available properties only in certain areas based on a prospective buyer's or renter's protected characteristics. Protected characteristics under this provision include race, color, religion, sex, creed, ancestry, national origin, and physical or mental handicap.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Rock Falls Ch. 12 Human Relations § 12-34 generally ensure that all available listings are presented to prospective buyers and renters without filtering based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, or disability. Compliant operators avoid making any statements—whether accurate or not—about the demographic composition of a neighborhood when those statements are used to influence a housing decision for profit. Training staff and agents on the specific conduct prohibited by § 12-34 is a common practice among operators seeking to maintain compliance with this anti-steering rule.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rock Falls Ch. 12 Human Relations § 12-34 gives prospective renters and buyers protection against being steered toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics. If a housing provider or agent appears to be limiting the properties shown or making demographic comments about neighborhoods in a way that influences a housing decision, that conduct may constitute a violation of § 12-34. Individuals who believe they have experienced steering can explore options such as filing a complaint with a local human relations or fair housing authority, contacting a tenant-rights or fair housing organization, or consulting with a legal professional familiar with local housing law.
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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