Survivor Housing FAQ: Can the Landlord Evict a Tenant Because They Asked the Police for Help with Domestic Violence?
No. Housing providers are not allowed to evict survivors of domestic violence just because they called the police for help.
- Fair Housing Act: This law prohibits housing discrimination based on sex. This includes treating women unfairly or blaming them for the acts of the person harming them.
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Survivors in subsidized housing have extra protections under this federal law. Housing providers cannot evict survivors, deny occupancy rights, or treat them unfairly solely because they have experienced domestic violence.
- Illinois law: Counties and cities in Illinois cannot create laws that threaten eviction because the tenant called the police or emergency services.
When survivors are punished for the acts of the people harming them, they are often forced to choose between their safety and having a place to live. This makes it harder to ask for help.
The above article provides information about legal issues but is not the same as legal advice. Legal advice is when a lawyer applies the law to your specific situation. The information in this article does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. Law Center for Better Housing cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information in this article and is not responsible for any consequences that may result from using it. You should consult with a licensed attorney to ensure the information in this article is appropriate for your specific situation. Using the information in this article does not create a relationship between Law Center for Better Housing and you as your attorney.