Our attorneys are experienced in the vast number of legal issues that may arise in the public housing sector, including those related to a public housing authority’s provision of both housing choice voucher programs (Section 8 vouchers) and public housing benefits.
Specifically in the Section 8 context, we provide legal counsel with matters relating to the award and termination of voucher assistance; informal and formal hearings relating to such benefits; and defending complaints for administrative review filed by recipients with the court system. On the public housing side, we regularly prosecute eviction matters filed pursuant to the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act, and counsel housing authorities on the management and provision of public housing benefits in order to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, including the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the rules and regulations of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), and the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Moreover, we stand ready to defend housing authorities against claims filed by employees or public housing recipients with state and federal agencies such as the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and HUD.
Further, as public bodies, housing authorities are subject to the Illinois Open Meetings Act and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, both of which our attorneys have the extensive experience and knowledge necessary to ensure compliance. Our attorneys regularly attend open meetings of public bodies, providing guidance and counsel on a number of issues that arise in the public sector. In addition, we provide assistance with drafting and implementation of agency policies and procedures, as well as employee handbooks to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws.
To learn more about our public housing authority practice and the services available to our public housing authority clients, contact us today