# Chicago Zoning Committee Approves Renter Protections

> Chicago’s zoning committee backs rival renter protections plan as mayor’s ordinance faces pushback
- Title: Chicago Zoning Committee Approves Renter Protections
- Summary: Chicago’s zoning committee backs rival renter protections plan as mayor’s ordinance faces pushback Chicago’s zoning committee approved a renter protections…
- Keywords: chicago, renter protections, mayor brandon johnson, city council, zoning committee, gilbert villegas, renter ordinance, housing committee, corporate caucus, renter bill of rights, rental housing bureau, renter fees
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/09/17/city-council-zoning-committee-dueling-renter-protection-plans-brandon-johnson-gilbert-villegas
- Published: 2026-09-17T22:12:32.228+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chicago, renter protections, mayor brandon johnson, city council, zoning committee, gilbert villegas, renter ordinance, housing committee, corporate caucus, renter bill of rights, rental housing bureau, renter fees
## Zoning Committee Vote
Zoning Committee approved Gilbert Villegas’ renter protections plan 12-6, opposing Mayor Johnson’s watered-down ordinance.

> We want to put forward a path for housing providers and signal to folks that want to invest in housing that we're open for these investments.
## Rival Ordinance Details
Villegas’ plan bans junk fees, sets 180-day deadline for housing permits, and uses existing staff for rental services.
## Mayor’s Ordinance
Johnson’s plan includes a $20 annual fee per rental unit to fund inspections and enforcement, plus a renter registry and housing bureau.
## Key Differences
Villegas’ plan has no registration fee, no new housing bureau, and focuses on expediting permits to address housing shortages.
## Corporate Caucus
Villegas’ corporate caucus allies want to negotiate a compromise with the mayor’s office ahead of City Council vote.
## Mayor’s Stance
Mayor Johnson claims Villegas’ plan lacks funding and enforcement tools, calling it insufficient for renters.
## Negotiations Start
City Council set a Friday meeting to negotiate a compromise between the two renter protection plans.
## Renter Impact
Chicago’s 600,000 renters could influence the mayoral election outcome through this policy battle.
## Villegas’ Goal
Villegas aims to address housing shortages by speeding up permits and reducing red tape for new construction.
## Funding Mechanism
Johnson’s plan includes a $20 annual fee per rental unit to raise $22 million yearly for enforcement.
## Enforcement Tools
Villegas’ plan relies on existing staff for rental services, avoiding new hires and funding gaps.
## Renter Relief
Johnson’s plan bans move-in fees and requires landlords to choose between monthly and annual pet fees.
## Timeline Pressure
Villegas insists negotiations won’t be rushed to meet the mayor’s timeline for a City Council vote.
## Key takeaway

Chicago’s zoning committee approved a renter protections plan opposing Mayor Johnson’s version, setting up negotiations for a compromise