About Us

Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) is the only non-profit law firm in the Chicago area that focuses solely on low and moderate income renters in the private housing market. LCBH empowers truly disadvantaged renters, prevents wrongful eviction, and fights sub-standard living conditions to ensure all our Chicago neighbors can have a safe and decent place to live.

Mission and History

Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing will provide free legal and supportive services to improve housing stability for lower income renters while advocating for the rights of all renters until everyone in Chicago has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.

Board and Staff

LCBH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors who volunteer their time to lead and guide the organization. A professional staff is responsible for the day-to-day operations, managing programmatic initiatives, and providing legal and supportive services. A Young Professionals Board (YPB) was established to promote the mission of LCBH among member constituencies and the public.

Corporate, Government and Foundation Partners

LCBH’s work would not be possible without our corporate, government, and foundation partners. To learn how your organization can work with LCBH to provide free, comprehensive legal representation and supportive services for vulnerable renters, please contact Allen Hailey, Director of Development, ahailey@lcbh.org.

Programs and Services

LCBH’s programs and services provide legal representation along with the tools and knowledge necessary to empower renters to stay and thrive in their communities.

Reports

Each year, Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) produces a comprehensive Annual Report on our activities throughout the preceding year. We invite you to review our Annual Report to keep informed on issues affecting all renters. LCBH has published several important reports to bring attention to the critical housing issues, including comprehensive annual reports on the foreclosure crisis. LCBH also distributes regular foreclosure reports as part of an early warning system for tenant advocates to reach out to tenants in foreclosure.

Jobs and Internships

LCBH actively recruits professionals and students who are dedicated to public service and we appreciate you taking the time to consider us. We thank you for your interest in LCBH and wish you every success in your endeavors.

Learn More About The Issues

Apartment / Building Conditions
Your landlord has the responsibility of maintaining the building in compliance with building, health and safety codes.
Eviction
If your landlord wants to remove you from your home, s/he must follow the law.
Housing Discrimination
Fair Housing: It’s not an option, it’s the law!
Illegal Lockouts
Your landlord may not forcibly remove you from your apartment.
Landlord Retaliation
Renters have protections against retaliatory landlords.
Security Deposits
Security deposits may be used only for damages that make an apartment un-rentable.
Tenants in Foreclosure
Foreclosure doesn’t mean “Get out now!” If you are renting an apartment, house or condo that is in foreclosure, you have rights.
Utilities / Essential Services
Denying essential services such as heat, water, or electricity is wrong and may pose serious health and safety risks.