CHICAGO — The Chicago City Council took a step Wednesday toward expanding renter protections, voting to move forward with an ordinance backed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The measure, known as the Protecting Renters Ordinance, or PRO, was considered by the council’s Housing Committee.
Supporters say the proposal would curb abusive and predatory practices by landlords while giving tenants greater stability.
Introduced this summer, the ordinance would require landlords to show “just cause” before evicting a tenant.
The original proposal also called for relocation payments to tenants, with the amount determined by the reason for the move.
That provision initially allowed for payments of as much as $10,000, although the figure may be reduced as lawmakers work to secure enough support for the ordinance.
Johnson said Chicago’s renter-protection rules are overdue for an update.
In a statement Wednesday evening, the mayor described the committee vote as a major milestone in the decades-long effort to make safe, stable and affordable housing accessible to every Chicago resident. Johnson credited renters, housing-justice advocates, tenant organizers and community leaders for helping shape what he called a responsible, forward-looking proposal. He added that the fight is not finished, saying Chicago renters have waited 40 years for relief and that the city can no longer delay action on PRO.
The ordinance would update protections that have not changed in four decades, dating back to an effort launched under former Mayor Harold Washington. Renters make up 54% of Chicago’s population. Johnson also said his administration took concerns from landlords—particularly smaller property owners—into account while developing the measure.
Opponents argue the proposal would place an unfair burden on small landlords and could ultimately drive rents higher.
A group of aldermen is promoting an alternative called FAIR. The competing proposal would broaden the definition of a small landlord, increase the number of units such owners may have from six to 12, and remove the requirement that they live in the building they rent out.
The Housing Committee reviewed PRO on Wednesday. The FAIR ordinance is scheduled for consideration Thursday by the Zoning Committee.
Both measures must clear their respective committees before either can proceed to a vote before the full City Council.
