Everyone deserves a safe, healthy home. Yet Chicago renters struggling with mold, pests, lead hazards, and other dangerous conditions have few effective options. Current city inspections are reactive — triggered only after problems are reported — leading to delays, missed appointments, and the risk of landlord retaliation.

The Consequences Are Serious

• Mold and other environmental triggers exacerbate respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, leading to increased emergency room visits.
• Childhood lead poisoning rates in communities of color are two to three times the city average — and no level of lead exposure is safe.
• Tenants bear the burden of repeatedly contacting landlords to address basic housing issues. 

A Solution Is Within Reach

The Chicago Healthy Homes Coalition is advocating for the City of Chicago Housing and Real Estate Committee to pass a Healthy Homes Working Group Ordinance, which would be a critical first step. This ordinance fosters collaboration between key City of Chicago departments and other stakeholders in developing a proactive rental inspection system that holds landlords accountable for maintaining safe housing before conditions become dangerous. This ordinance comes to a vote at the March 12th Housing and Real Estate Committee meeting.

Passing This Ordinance Would

• Set clear health and safety standards for all Chicago rental housing.
• Protect families from lead poisoning, mold, and hazardous living conditions.
• Create transparency and accountability for negligent landlords.
• Reduce displacement by preventing housing from deteriorating in the first place.

Take Action Now

• Sign this petition to show your support.
• Contact your alder and urge them to vote YES on the Chicago Healthy Homes Ordinance. Find your alder here
• Share this petition with neighbors, friends, and family.
  
  Housing is a human right. Sign now and tell your alder: Chicago renters deserve proactive inspections and healthy homes.