2nd Ward Residents Push For Condo Owners' Privacy Ordinance

CHICAGO, IL — Many condominium association residents and association boards across the 2nd Ward have expressed concerns about the Illinois Legislature's passage of Public Act 100-0292, according to Ald. Brian Hopkins. The measure changed certain privacy rules in the Illinois Condominium Property Act, which included contact information. The changes in state law made condo owners' personal information more widely available, Hopkins said.

Prior to the passage of the state measure, condo boards could use their discretion when turning over the names and addresses of individual condominium owners. The new state measure added email addresses and phone numbers.

"This went too far," Hopkins said in a Ward 2 newsletter. "I submitted a formal inquiry for legal review, asking the extent to which I, as your Alderman, could act in utilizing our Home Rule Authority to address the issue. It was determined that as the law stands today, the Illinois Condominium Property Act does not preempt home rule authority."

On Jan. 17, Hopkins and 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly introduced an Ordinance reversing Public Act 100-0292. The proposed Ordinance would allow condo association boards to limit the release of owners' names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers and weighted votes in Chicago condo buildings. Hopkins said it would restore local condo board discretion and strengthen condo owner’s individual rights to privacy.

Hopkins said the matter has been referred to the Chicago City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate for consideration.

Image via City of Chicago