Additional Illinois Laws
Beyond the License Act, Illinois imposes further laws affecting real estate practice. These include human rights, escrow, and consumer-protection provisions.
Illinois Human Rights and Fair Housing
The Illinois Human Rights Act expands fair housing protections beyond the federal categories, adding classes such as ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, and military status (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.; checked 2026-09-09). Licensees must comply with both state and federal fair housing law. Violations carry administrative and civil penalties.
Escrow and Trust Accounts
Illinois law requires brokers to deposit client funds into a special escrow or trust account and maintain detailed records. Funds must not be commingled with the broker's own money. Proper accounting and timely deposit are enforced by IDFPR.
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