SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- State Rep. Jaime Andrade Jr., D-Chicago, has introduced new legislation that expands protections for tenants in Illinois and prevents landlords from submitting tenants credit agreement and rental history until the tenant agrees with written consent.
“Tenants should not have their credit and rental history reported until they are officially moving into an apartment,” said Andrade. “Many landlords take advantage of receiving financial information about a tenant before they even give consent which creates a disadvantage in renting a property to someone. Private financial information should be left in the hands and discretion of the tenant, and my legislation would do just that”
Andrade’s House Bill 5528, an amendment to the Landlord and Tenant Act, would prohibit a landlord from automatically reporting a tenant’s rental payment history until obtaining written consent and that a landlord not propose a credit building agreement to a tenant until a lease is signed.
“Many times, we have people and families that cannot afford to make a rent payment on time due to prioritizing heat in the winter, food on the table, or light and internet for children to do school work,” said Andrade. “These events impact someone’s rental history and can even negatively impact their credit score. These protections are necessary for renters and future homeowners as it reduces housing discrimination and creates a fair opportunity for people.”