Advocates press bill to limit credit-score screening for voucher holders
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Summary
Advocates at an Evanston webinar described HB5394, a proposed amendment to bar landlords from using credit scores to deny applicants who have vouchers or guaranteed nonwage income, and asked partners to sign on and submit anecdotal evidence to support a committee hearing.
Advocates at a City of Evanston webinar urged support for a proposed state amendment that would restrict landlords'use of credit scores when screening housing choice voucher applicants.
Sue Lobach and other advocates described a draft bill identified in the session as HB5394 that would amend the Illinois Human Rights Act to prohibit credit-score discrimination against voucher holders. Lobach said the coalition is collecting anecdotal reports and preparing a sign-on letter to accompany a committee hearing advocates hope will be scheduled in mid-March.
Why it matters: presenters argued that credit scores were designed to predict loan default, not rental success, and that existing screening tools can exclude voucher holders even when their rent payments are guaranteed. Dominic Voss told attendees that when a voucher covers the bulk of rent, forcing a 720+ credit threshold, for example, can operate as a de facto ban on voucher users.
What advocates are asking: organizers requested stories and examples from service providers and affected tenants to document patterns of exclusion and to demonstrate the bill's necessity at committee. Lobach said the bill was in the Rules Committee and that advocates hoped it would be referred to the House Housing Committee and scheduled for a hearing, which participants cited as possibly occurring on March 18.
Context and limitations: presenters noted HUD guidance (referenced from 2024) questioned whether credit reliably predicts renter success and that local enforcement mechanisms vary; they emphasized filing complaints and parallel enforcement work with Open Communities while legislative reform is pursued.
Next steps: coalition organizers will circulate a sign-on letter, gather anecdotal evidence, and follow up with attendees about advocacy steps and testimony opportunities if a hearing is scheduled.