Rep. Mason Measure Guaranteeing Renters’ Rights Takes Effect

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, put her support behind a measure to guarantee renters the right to pay landlords in cash, which went into effect just a few days ago.

“Housing is a human right that we need to preserve for every Illinoisan, including our neighbors who may not always be able to pay rent electronically,” Mason said. “When landlords and property managers require rent by electronic transfer, they are unfairly and needlessly putting up barriers to affording an apartment that some Illinois families cannot overcome. By guaranteeing all people can pay in cash, we can extend the opportunity for consistent housing security to people who might otherwise be pushed out, without putting addition financial strain on property owners.”

This latest effort to secure rights for Illinois renters, House Bill 1628, specifically prohibits landlords from requiring tenants, or prospective tenants, to pay any amount due under a residential lease, renewal or extension agreement via electronic transfer.

HB 1628 was signed into law last June, and went into effect on Jan. 1 this year. It had the support of Housing Action Illinois, the Law Center for Better Housing and the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

“The fight for fair housing access is ongoing, but this is a great step in the right direction,” Mason said. “Stable homes help create stable lives, and measures like this that help make sure more people have a home to live combat other problems like poverty and crime. I hope to continue making progress like this in years to come.”