Renters With Records Protected Under New Cook County Board Bill

Part 3: Renting Vs. Buying. How Important Is Owning A Home?
This Jan. 26, 2016 file photo shows a "For Sale" sign hanging in front of an existing home in Atlanta. (John Bazemore/AP)
Part 3: Renting Vs. Buying. How Important Is Owning A Home?
This Jan. 26, 2016 file photo shows a "For Sale" sign hanging in front of an existing home in Atlanta. (John Bazemore/AP)

Renters With Records Protected Under New Cook County Board Bill

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Last week the Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to pass the Just Housing Amendment, a measure that would limit landlords’ and property owners’ ability to ask a potential tenant about their criminal history.

The move was hailed by supporters as a major step toward reuniting families and fighting housing discrimination, but some property owners say the board rushed the decision without sufficient public input.

Morning Shift checks in with the measure’s sponsor, Commissioner Brandon Johnson, about why he thinks the measure was important to add to the existing housing ordinance in Cook County, and respond to landlords’ concerns.

GUEST: Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, sponsor of the bill

LEARN MORECounty Board limits landlords’ inquiries into tenants’ criminal histories (Chicago Sun-Times 4/25)