Prairie State Legal Services Fair Housing Project

10/08/2026

A recent Department of Justice settlement highlights protections for families with children under the Fair Housing Act. The case involved allegations that owners and managers of a Massachusetts rental property refused to rent a home to a woman because she had a minor child. Under the settlement, the housing providers agreed to pay $30,000 to the family, implement a fair housing policy, and complete fair housing training. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on familial status, which generally protects households with children under the age of 18.

If you or someone you know believes they have experienced housing discrimination because they have children under the age of 18, contact PSLS at 855-347-7757 to speak with a member of our staff and apply for services.
https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1458086/dl

10/06/2026

A recent settlement in New York highlights concerns about how tenant screening practices can affect access to housing. The New York Attorney General reached a settlement with Brooklyn High Rise LLC after an investigation found that the company denied housing to 203 applicants based on prior housing court records. The company was also found to have collected “good faith” deposits from applicants that, in some cases, were not returned.

Under the settlement, Brooklyn High Rise must change its tenant-screening practices, provide fair housing training to staff, and pay $352,250 in penalties and restitution. The case is a reminder that rental screening policies and practices can create significant barriers for people seeking housing. If you or someone you know believes they have experienced a housing issue, contact Prairie State Legal Services at 855-347-7757 to speak with a member of our staff and apply for services.

https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-stops-brooklyn-real-estate-firm-illegally-blacklisting

10/06/2026

A federal consent order has resolved a Fair Housing Act lawsuit involving allegations of s*xual harassment and retaliation against female tenants and prospective tenants in Susanville, California.

The property owners agreed to pay $960,000 in damages to 19 tenants and prospective tenants and a $40,000 civil penalty. The case alleged conduct including demands for s*xual favors in exchange for housing benefits, unwanted s*xual contact and comments, unauthorized entry into tenants’ homes, and retaliation against those who rejected advances.

The consent order also permanently bars two of the defendants from directly managing residential rental properties and requires independent property management, fair housing training, and anti-discrimination policies.

If you or someone you know believes they have experienced s*xual harassment in housing, contact PSLS at 855-347-7757 to speak with a member of our staff and apply for our services.
https://www.sierradailynews.com/local/susanville-rental-owners-settle-1-million-s*xual-harassment-lawsuit/

09/15/2026

Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, and recognizes the contributions of Hispanic people and culture. Discrimination based on national origin is prohibited under the federal Fair Housing Act. If you or someone you know has experienced fair housing issues, contact PSLS at 855-347-7757 to speak with a member of our staff and apply for our services.

09/14/2026

OFFICE OPEN TODAY: PSLS’ new McHenry Office is now open to the public!

The McHenry Office address is:
3929 Mercy Drive, Unit B
McHenry, IL 60050

Thank you again for being patient during the transition from the Woodstock Office to the McHenry Office. We are excited to serve you.

09/10/2026

PSLS’ new McHenry Office opens to the public at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, September 14!

The McHenry Office address is:
3929 Mercy Drive, Unit B
McHenry, IL 60050

Thank you for being patient during the transition from the Woodstock Office to the McHenry Office. We are excited to serve McHenry County residents in our new office space.

07/31/2026

07/21/2026

During July, as we reflect on 250 years of American independence, we are reminded that the promise of freedom must include fair housing access for everyone.

One way community members can help protect that promise is by partnering with PSLS as a fair housing tester. Testers play an important role in identifying housing discrimination by helping document how renters, buyers, and home seekers are treated in the housing market.

Fair housing testing helps uncover barriers that may otherwise go unseen — whether based on race, color, national origin, religion, s*x, disability, familial status, or other protected status under fair housing laws.

You do not need to be a lawyer or a housing expert to make a difference. Fair housing testers are trained, supported, and given clear instructions. You can help ensure that everyone has a fair chance to find a safe and stable place to call home.

If you are interested in becoming a fair housing tester, contact us at [email protected].

07/01/2026

As our country celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this Fourth of July, we are reminded that the promise of freedom is not complete without access to justice.

Fair housing is about more than where someone lives. It is about opportunity, dignity, family stability, and the right to build a life free from discrimination. The ideals of liberty and justice belong in every neighborhood, every rental office, every lending decision, and every community.

This Fourth of July, we honor the progress that has been made while recognizing the work still ahead. True freedom includes the ability to choose where to live without being turned away because of race, color, national origin, religion, s*x, disability, familial status, source of income, or any other protected status under fair housing laws.

As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we recommit to expanding access to justice, removing barriers, and ensuring that fair housing is not just a law, but a lived reality for all.

07/01/2026

As our country celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this Fourth of July, we are reminded that the promise of freedom is not complete without access to justice.
Fair housing is about more than where someone lives. It is about opportunity, dignity, family stability, and the right to build a life free from discrimination. The ideals of liberty and justice belong in every neighborhood, every rental office, every lending decision, and every community.

This Fourth of July, we honor the progress that has been made while recognizing the work still ahead. True freedom includes the ability to choose where to live without being turned away because of race, color, national origin, religion, s*x, disability, familial status, source of income, or any other protected status under fair housing laws.

As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we recommit to expanding access to justice, removing barriers, and ensuring that fair housing is not just a law, but a lived reality for all.