Weekly Real Estate News
Coldwell Banker LLC has agreed to pay a combined $225,000 to resolve housing discrimination charges in Illinois involving prospective renters who sought to use Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly known as Section 8 vouchers.
In an announcement dated October 25 and published under an October 26 page address, the Illinois Department of Human Rights said the company agreed to pay the state $120,000 and Housing Rights Initiative another $105,000. The agreements resolve eight charges, including one initiated by the department.
Charges Involved Source-of-Income Discrimination
The state alleged that Coldwell Banker and its agents discriminated against rental applicants based on their lawful source of income and that the company failed to adequately supervise brokers. The charges included allegations that agents refused to show properties or said owners would not accept vouchers.
These were allegations resolved through settlements, not court findings establishing liability. A separate individual charge was settled privately, according to the department.
Training and Policy Changes
The company also agreed to fair housing training for more than 400 licensed agents and brokers at four identified branch offices, a written policy prohibiting source-of-income discrimination in its Illinois offices, fair housing notices, and a designated representative to assist with voucher-related rental issues.
Illinois expanded its statewide housing protections to cover lawful sources of income in January 2023. The case underscores the need for rental agents and brokerages to understand voucher protections and to avoid statements that discourage applicants based on how they pay rent.
Simple Content Summary
Coldwell Banker agreed to $225,000 in combined Illinois housing discrimination settlements involving voucher holders. The agreements also require training for more than 400 agents and policy changes. The charges were settled without a court finding of liability.
