Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has proposed a sweeping overhaul of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) called the “Protecting Renters Ordinance” (PRO). The ordinance is possibly the most extensive piece of local legislation Illinois REALTORS® has ever encountered in our statewide local advocacy efforts. One of the most troubling provisions would require housing providers to pay relocation fees when a lease is not renewed, even for legitimate reasons such as making significant repairs or moving in a family member.

But by the time the ordinance was formally introduced on Monday, Illinois REALTORS® Senior Director of Local Advocacy Tom Benedetto and Governmental Affairs Director (GAD) Anne Emerson had already educated members, local media outlets, and Chicago aldermen on its negative impacts on housing affordability in Chicago, if passed. GADs spent the weekend speaking with Alderpeople and providing questions to be asked at the hearing, many of which were asked. This allowed the hearing to be more balanced than intended.

Thirty residents spoke for/against the ordinance at a Subject Matter Hearing on June 29, including REALTOR® members Mike McElroy, Sheila Dantzler, and Miguel Chacon. With the assistance of the GAD Team, each member testified to a different aspect of the policy, and its associated consequences (whether intended or unintended). Their comments were well-received by senior aldermen on the committee, as well as local news outlets.

Thanks to Illinois REALTORS® Governmental Affairs Team, the ordinance faced significant pushback from senior Alders who understand the need to keep rental housing locally owned and operated. Other objections included the fact that the ordinance has not been socialized, is of huge scope and will need much more time, consideration and negotiation than the administration has provided by trying to rush this for a vote on July 8 (Housing Committee) and July 15 (full City Council). Even if PRO comes up for a vote on July 15, GADs will move to defer and publish the matter to buy some more time for Aldermanic education if we have any concerns about our whip count.

GADs will continue to strongly oppose this ordinance and work around the clock with City Council to address Chicago’s housing affordability and stability crises.