Humboldt Park Resident Sues CHA Over Neglected Vacant Properties

Lawsuit alleges CHA failed to maintain scattered-site properties, leading to neighborhood destabilization.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Humboldt Park homeowner and the HOPE Fair Housing Center have filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and two property management companies, alleging the CHA has allowed some of its properties in predominantly Black and Hispanic communities to fall into disrepair. The lawsuit claims these issues violate state human and civil rights laws and serve as public and private nuisances.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights longstanding concerns about the CHA's management of its scattered-site housing portfolio, which makes up the majority of its rental units. The investigation found vacancy rates, exterior maintenance, and physical deficiencies were worse in communities of color compared to majority-white neighborhoods, contributing to neighborhood instability.

The details

The lawsuit alleges the CHA, Hispanic Housing Development Corp., and Manage Chicago have failed to adequately lease, maintain, and secure the CHA's scattered-site properties. Of the CHA's 2,800 scattered units, more than 450 are currently vacant, with approximately 78% located in communities of color. The plaintiff, Caroline Bermudez, has experienced issues like drug activity, break-ins, and safety concerns due to the neglected CHA property next to her home.

  • The lawsuit was filed on February 13, 2026.
  • In 2023, the CHA announced a push to renovate its scattered-site portfolio.
  • In recent years, the CHA's inspector general has reported on the agency's failure to comply with the city's vacant buildings ordinance.

The players

HOPE Fair Housing Center

A nonprofit organization that conducted a two-year investigation into the CHA's management of its scattered-site properties, finding disparities in vacancy rates and maintenance between communities of color and majority-white neighborhoods.

Caroline Bermudez

A Humboldt Park resident and plaintiff in the lawsuit, who has experienced issues like drug activity, break-ins, and safety concerns due to a neglected CHA property next to her home.

Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)

The largest single owner of rental housing in Chicago, with a portfolio of 2,800 scattered-site properties, more than 450 of which are currently vacant.

Hispanic Housing Development Corp.

A property management company that previously managed the CHA property next to Bermudez's home.

Manage Chicago

A property management firm that took over management of the CHA's scattered-site properties in July 2025.

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What they’re saying

“These properties should be maintained at a standard worthy of the communities they exist in — and that standard still applies when those communities are Black and Latine.”

— Josefina Navar, Deputy Director, HOPE Fair Housing Center (News release)

“I'm angry because I had to relocate out of the house because the city and CHA have refused to do anything. It is a systemic failure on multiple levels.”

— Caroline Bermudez (Chicago Sun-Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges the CHA faces in maintaining its scattered-site housing portfolio, particularly in communities of color, and the need for greater accountability and investment to ensure safe, well-maintained homes for all Chicagoans.