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https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/what-you-need-know-about-just-housing-cook-county
Date: 09/06/2025

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  4. What you need to know about Just Housing in Cook County

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House & Apartment

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

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What you need to know about Just Housing in Cook County
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Acknowledgements

Funded by
Illinois Access to Justice Program

In Cook County, landlords cannot legally use your criminal history as the only factor in deciding to rent to you. Just Housing is a part of the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance. It sets rules for the rental application process, and protects the rights of people with criminal records, to ensure they have access to safe, stable and affordable housing.

Before you fill out your next rental application, watch this video from Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) that can assist you in seeking housing if you have a criminal record.

Note: You can also watch this video with Spanish subtitles. 

Last full review by a subject matter expert
August 13, 2020
Last revised by staff
August 13, 2020

About our legal information

Forms

Housing discrimination complaint - IDHR Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you you make a housing discrimination complaint to file with the Illinois Dept. of Human Rights.

Learn more

What you need to know about Just Housing in Cook County
Keeping a section 8 housing voucher

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

Forms

Housing discrimination complaint - IDHR Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you you make a housing discrimination complaint to file with the Illinois Dept. of Human Rights.

Learn more

What you need to know about Just Housing in Cook County
Keeping a section 8 housing voucher
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ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.

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© 2025 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.