765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 755 § 15
Remedies
Operative Text
Remedies. (a) If a landlord engages in prohibited conduct described in subsection (f) of Section 10 against a tenant, the tenant may bring a civil action to seek any one or more of the following remedies: (1) actual damages, as reasonably determined by the court, for injury or loss suffered;(2) a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $2,000 for each violation, payable to the tenant;(3) reasonable attorney's fees and court costs; and (4) other equitable relief as the court may deem appropriate and just.(b) The immigration or citizenship status of any person is irrelevant to any issue of liability or remedy in a civil action involving a tenant's housing rights. In proceedings or discovery undertaken in a civil action involving a tenant's housing rights, no inquiry shall be permitted into the tenant's immigration or citizenship status, except if: (1) unless otherwise provided in subsection (c), the claims or defenses raised by the tenant place the person's immigration or citizenship status directly in contention; or (2) the person seeking to make the inquiry demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the inquiry is necessary in order to comply with federal law.(c) The assertion of an affirmative defense to an eviction action under Section 9-106.3 of the Code of Civil Procedure does not constitute cause for discovery or other inquiry into a person's immigration or citizenship status.
Section 15 of 765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 755 establishes the remedies available when a landlord engages in conduct prohibited under subsection (f) of Section 10, which relates to tenant housing rights. A tenant who experiences such prohibited conduct may pursue actual damages, a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation payable to the tenant, attorney's fees and court costs, and other equitable relief a court finds appropriate. The provision also makes clear that a person's immigration or citizenship status is generally not a permissible subject of inquiry in civil actions involving tenant housing rights, with only narrow exceptions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 755 § 15, landlords who engage in conduct prohibited by Section 10(f) face exposure to actual damages, civil penalties up to $2,000 per violation paid directly to the tenant, and the tenant's attorney's fees and court costs. Compliant operators generally avoid any actions that could constitute prohibited conduct under Section 10(f) and refrain from attempting to raise or inquire into a tenant's immigration or citizenship status as a litigation or negotiation tactic. Operators familiar with this provision understand that such inquiries are barred in housing-rights proceedings except in the narrowest of circumstances defined by the statute.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 15 of 765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 755 gives tenants who have experienced prohibited conduct under Section 10(f) the right to bring a civil action seeking actual damages, a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation, attorney's fees, and equitable relief. Importantly, this provision also protects tenants by generally prohibiting any inquiry into immigration or citizenship status during housing-rights proceedings, meaning that status cannot typically be used against a tenant in such a case. Tenants who believe their housing rights have been violated may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand the range of remedies 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 2, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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