I hope that the landlords who read this blog know this already: landlords should not ask tenants for sexual favors in return for rent credits. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has filed a lawsuit against a Richton Park landlord accused of allegedly offering his tenant a reduction in back rent due in exchange for alleged sexual favors. It appears that the State’s attorney is proceeding on Article 3 of the Illinois Human Rights Act which applies to real estate transactions and prohibits landlords from altering the terms or conditions or privileges of a real estate transaction based on unlawful discrimination or familial status. Apparently, in January, 2010, the landlord evicted the tenant for nonpayment of rent. Needless to say, for a myriad of reasons, whether or not the Attorney General prevails, trading sexual activity for rent is not a good idea.