How Cities Are Balancing Tenant Safety and Rental Housing Policies

This spring, the Illinois State Senate held a hearing on proposed legislation to curb local crime-free housing programs, drawing hundreds of participants eager to voice their opinions.

City leaders and police officials defended the existing ordinances, which often mandate landlords to evict tenants with police interactions, arguing such measures are crucial for removing drug dealers from apartment complexes and encouraging landlords to manage problematic properties.

Conversely, housing advocates and tenants called for significant reforms, highlighting numerous cases of discriminatory and unlawful enforcement. Landlords also expressed a desire for clearer regulations, stating they do not want to serve as extensions of law enforcement.

The discussion reflects growing controversy over the past 30 years, as crime-free housing initiatives have expanded from a few early adopters to more than 2,000 municipalities across 42 states.

Investigations have revealed that hundreds of tenants in Illinois have faced eviction under these programs for minor infractions, sometimes unrelated to their homes, with some even threatened after calling emergency services for assistance.