T
enants claim Mac Properties, a Chicago-based property management company, discriminated against renters using Section 8 vouchers in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The company allegedly steered them towards less desirable properties and lied about unit availability to keep them out of newer lakefront buildings. Backed by the HOPE Fair Housing Center, four tenants filed a federal lawsuit seeking class action status.

    The lawsuit alleges that Mac Properties' actions have a "disparate impact" on Black renters, who make up 89% of Chicago's voucher holders. The company denies these claims, stating they adhere to all local, state, and federal housing laws. However, the plaintiffs argue that this kind of discrimination has been explicitly prohibited in Illinois since last year.

    The lawsuit cites the Illinois Human Rights Act and the U.S. Fair Housing Act, alleging racial and source-of-income-based discrimination. It also claims Mac Properties violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act by engaging in unfair business practices. The HOPE Fair Housing Center conducted a formal investigation, sending "testers" to Mac Properties' buildings to evaluate their practices.

    The plaintiffs claim that dozens of renters have experienced similar discriminatory behavior over the past decade. They argue that this limits access to desirable units and neighborhoods, contradicting the purpose of the Housing Choice Voucher program. Mac Properties has yet to file a formal response to the complaint, stating they will "vigorously defend" themselves against these claims in court.