Summit — Ch. 7-13 Fair Housing § 7-13-8
Enforcement Officials
Operative Text
Administrator: The Administrator shall have such duties, responsibilities, and powers as are necessary for the implementation of this chapter and, additionally, as may be provided by the President and Board of Trustees, including the issuing, initiation, receipt, and due processing of complaints, and: Eliminate discriminatory housing practices. Ensure to persons living or desiring to live in the Village or in any particular dwelling the opportunity to purchase, lease, or rent a dwelling without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service or disability. Engage in such recruitment, research, and public communication and create such advisory councils as may be authorized to effectuate the purposes of this chapter. Coordinate its activities with Federal and State agencies in conformity with this chapter. Gather and provide for the exchange of information relative to the provisions of this chapter among real estate brokers and salespersons, lenders, developers, employers, Village officials, and community groups within and without the Village. Issue, receive, initiate, and investigate complaints charging discrimination in housing. Any complaint initiated by the Administrator shall be in writing and signed by the Administrator and shall state such detail as to substantially apprise any party concerned as to the time, place, and facts surrounding the charged violation of this chapter. Seek temporary relief (judicial enforcement) and enforce orders of the Human Rights Commission in conformity with this chapter. Render, from time to time, not less than every twelve (12) months, a written report to Village officials of activities and recommendations with respect to fair housing practices, which written report shall be made public after submission to the President and Board of Trustees. Human Rights Commission: The term of office shall be three (3) years; except, that the first appointees shall be appointed to a term of one, two (2) and three (3) years. Members shall receive such compensation as is provided by the Board of Trustees. The commission shall have such duties, responsibilities and powers as are necessary for the implementation of this chapter and, additionally, as may be provided by the President and Board of Trustees, including, but not limited to, seek conciliation of, hold hearings on, and make findings of fact with respect to any complaint. Administer oaths, take sworn testimony, and subpoena witnesses and pertinent documents. Publish and issue findings of fact and orders in accordance with this chapter. (Ord. 17-O-11, 5-15-2017)
Summit's Fair Housing ordinance, Chapter 7-13, Section 7-13-8, establishes two enforcement bodies — the Administrator and the Human Rights Commission — each with defined roles in combating housing discrimination. The Administrator is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints, coordinating with federal and state agencies, and seeking judicial relief when necessary, while also issuing at least annual public reports on fair housing activities. The Human Rights Commission holds hearings, administers oaths, subpoenas witnesses and documents, and issues formal findings of fact and orders. Together, these bodies are empowered to address discriminatory practices affecting anyone who lives in or seeks to live in the Village of Summit.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Summit should be aware that under Ch. 7-13 § 7-13-8, both the Administrator and the Human Rights Commission have broad authority to investigate and act on housing discrimination complaints. Compliant operators generally maintain non-discriminatory practices in the sale, lease, and rental of dwellings with respect to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, military status, discharge status, and disability. Operators who receive a formal complaint initiated under this section can expect it to be in writing, signed by the Administrator, and to detail the time, place, and facts of the alleged violation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Summit's Ch. 7-13 § 7-13-8, residents and prospective residents have the right to pursue housing opportunities free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, military status, discharge status, or disability. The Administrator is authorized to receive complaints directly, and the Human Rights Commission can hold hearings, take sworn testimony, and issue binding findings of fact and orders. Individuals who believe they have experienced discriminatory housing practices may consider filing a complaint with the Administrator, contacting a tenant-rights organization, or reaching out to relevant federal or state fair housing agencies for additional guidance.
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 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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