Simmons Advances Legislation to Provide Tenants with Right of First Refusal

SPRINGFIELD – To help communities preserve affordable, accessible housing and protect residents from displacement, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation that would provide tenants with the right-of-first-refusal to purchase their property, specifically with a 90- day notice to tenants from the property owner before accepting or listing a building sale.

“As housing costs continue to rise and private equity gentrification continues to threaten communities like Edgewater, Rogers Park and all of Illinois, we need practical tools that help keep working families, seniors and long-time residents in the communities they call home,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation balances the need to expand and preserve housing with strong protections for property owners through the right of first refusal, fair valuation requirements and a transparent acquisition process.”

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Senate Democrats Advocate for Housing Access and Affordability

Why has housing become one of the biggest affordability issues facing Illinois families? In this episode, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus discuss a new legislative package focused on expanding housing supply, reducing barriers to development, protecting renters, and addressing the growing role of private equity in the housing market.

Hunter opens pathways to affordable, diverse housing opportunities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading sweeping legislation that would reform exclusionary zoning laws and open new pathways for affordable, diverse housing across the state.

“Underserved communities across Illinois have been bearing the weight of the housing crisis for years," said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 640 gives us the tools to build more housing in more places – and to do it in a way that is fair, transparent and enforceable.”

The measure would require local governments across Illinois to allow middle housing – such as duplexes, triplexes, and similar multi-unit buildings – in single-family zoning districts, while giving municipalities the option to set their own design standards – or default to state standards – governing things like building height, setbacks and lot coverage.

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Guzmán champions human rights protections for tenants who are survivors of gender based violence

SPRINGFIELD – In the fight for affordable housing for all people in Illinois, State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to provide human rights protections to prospective tenants who are survivors of gender-based violence passed the Senate Executive Committee.

“When we talk about housing, we are not just talking about buildings or leases,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “We are talking about safety. We are talking about dignity. We are talking about whether people have a real chance to rebuild their lives.”

Senate Bill 330 would provide that it is a civil rights violation to unlawfully discriminate against a prospective tenant because of a person's history of experiencing domestic or sexual violence. According to Illinois Legal Aid, people who have survived domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault might also face barriers to their housing because of these abuses. People who rent their homes are three times more likely to face violence than people who own their homes.

Read more: Guzmán champions human rights protections for tenants who are survivors of gender based violence