HR0252 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0252 LRB104 13170 MST 25309 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The housing crisis in Illinois has created significant challenges for both landlords and tenants, leading to heightened tensions and misunderstandings between both parties; and

WHEREAS, While many tenants face issues that may lead to housing instability or wrongful eviction, landlords also contend with significant challenges, including dealing with problematic tenants who may engage in behavior that disrupts the property or community, resulting in financial losses due to non-payment of rent and damage to property; and

WHEREAS, The presence of squatters in residential properties undermines landlords' rights and property values, while also impacting the safety and stability of surrounding neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, The timing and processes surrounding evictions must be fair and transparent, ensuring due process for tenants while also providing landlords with a timely resolution regarding non-compliance with lease agreements; and

WHEREAS, Crime and safety issues contribute to the difficulties landlords face in maintaining their properties and affect tenants' perceptions of safety and security in their homes; and

WHEREAS, Effective collaboration between landlords, tenants, local governments, community organizations, and law enforcement is essential to address these challenges and foster a healthier housing environment for all stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, Ordinances and regulations pertaining to housing must be equitable and balanced, addressing the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants while promoting safe and stable communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Landlord-Tenant Task Force is created to acknowledge and address the complex challenges faced by both landlords and tenants in our communities across Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force is charged with studying the following:

(1) Current laws and regulations related to landlord-tenant relationships, including the processes for evictions and measures addressing squatting;

(2) Best practices regarding eviction notices, timelines, and processes to ensure fairness while recognizing landlords' right to protect their investments;

(3) Guidelines for addressing squatter situations that balance the rights of property owners;

(4) Initiatives that create safe communities and housing environments, enhancing safety measures for both landlords and tenants, thereby fostering a secure living atmosphere;

(5) Community engagement to promote open communication and understanding between landlords and tenants through forums, workshops, and educational programs;

(6) Recommendations for legislative changes to improve housing policies to ensure both a responsible rental environment and adequate support systems for tenants facing hardship; and

(7) Discrimination in housing; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall consist of the following members, who shall serve without compensation:

(1) Three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, one of which shall serve as chair;

(2) Three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the House Minority Leader;

(3) One representative from an association that advocates on behalf of landlords appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(4) One representative from an association that advocates on behalf of tenants appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(5) One representative from an association that advocates on behalf of realtors appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(6) One representative from an association that advocates on behalf of the homeless appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(7) One representative from a community organization appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(8) One housing law expert appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

(9) Two local government officials appointed by the Speaker of the House; and be it further

RESOLVED, That if a vacancy occurs in the Task Force it shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall meet at the call of the chair; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Housing Development Authority shall provide administrative support for the Task Force; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall submit its final report to the House of Representatives no later than December 31, 2026, and upon the filing of the report, the Task Force is dissolved; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Speaker of the House and the Minority Leader of the House.