Renting an apartment in Chicago offers residents access to the city’s vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and numerous amenities. However, tenants need to be aware of their legal rights and protections under Chicago’s rental laws. Knowing your rights as a tenant can help ensure a fair and secure rental experience. In this guide, we’ll explore tenant’s rights in Chicago apartments and provide valuable information to help you navigate the rental process.
Fair Housing Laws
Chicago, like many cities across the United States, has strict fair housing laws in place to prevent discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, familial status, or sexual orientation. Landlords are legally obligated to treat all prospective tenants equally and fairly during the application and rental process. If you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.
Lease Agreements
A lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement. In Chicago, key lease-related information includes:
- Rental Price: The lease should specify the monthly rent amount and the due date. Chicago has rent control ordinances in place for certain types of rental units, so it’s essential to understand your rights regarding rent increases.
- Security Deposit: Chicago limits security deposits to one month’s rent for unfurnished apartments and one and a half month’s rent for furnished apartments. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of damages when deducting from the security deposit.
- Maintenance Responsibilities: The lease should clearly outline maintenance responsibilities for both the landlord and tenant. Landlords are typically responsible for major repairs, while tenants are responsible for routine maintenance.
- Termination and Eviction Procedures: The lease should specify the notice periods required for lease termination by both the landlord and tenant. It should also outline eviction procedures in compliance with Chicago’s eviction laws.
Repairs and Maintenance
As a tenant, you have the right to a safe and habitable living environment. Landlords in Chicago are required to make necessary repairs to maintain the livability of the apartment. Some key points to remember:
- Request Repairs in Writing: If you have maintenance issues, it’s advisable to request repairs in writing to create a record. Give your landlord a reasonable amount of time to address the issues.
- Emergency Repairs: Landlords must address emergency repairs, such as heating or plumbing issues, within 24 hours. Failure to do so can result in rent deductions.
- Withholding Rent: In certain situations, you may be allowed to withhold rent if your landlord fails to make essential repairs. However, it’s crucial to follow the proper legal procedures and consult with an attorney if considering this option.
Security Deposits
Chicago has strict regulations governing security deposits to protect tenants’ rights. Some key points to remember:
- Receipt Requirement: Landlords must provide tenants with a receipt for the security deposit payment and an itemized list of any deductions when returning the deposit.
- Interest: Landlords must pay interest on security deposits held for at least six months. The interest rate is set by the city each year.
- Return of Deposit: Landlords have 45 days from the end of the lease to return the security deposit, along with interest, or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
Rent Increases
Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) places certain restrictions on rent increases:
- Notice: Landlords must provide written notice at least 30 days in advance for rent increases of less than 10%, or 60 days for increases of 10% or more.
- No Retaliation: Landlords cannot increase rent in retaliation for tenants asserting their rights, filing complaints, or joining tenant organizations.
Evictions
Eviction is a legal process that must follow specific procedures outlined in Chicago’s eviction laws:
- Proper Notice: Landlords must provide tenants with a written notice of the reason for eviction and an opportunity to correct lease violations in most cases.
- Court Order: Landlords cannot forcibly remove tenants without obtaining a court order for eviction. Self-help eviction, such as changing locks or shutting off utilities, is illegal.
- Legal Representation: Tenants facing eviction should seek legal representation and appear in court to defend their rights.
Tenant’s Right to Privacy
Tenants have the right to privacy in their rented apartment:
- Notice for Entry: Landlords must provide at least two days’ notice before entering the apartment for non-emergency reasons, except in emergencies.
- Reasonable Access: Landlords can only enter the apartment at reasonable times and for legitimate reasons, such as repairs or inspections.
Tenant Organizations
Tenant organizations in Chicago play a crucial role in advocating for tenants’ rights and providing support and resources. Joining a tenant organization can help you stay informed about your rights and connect with others facing similar issues.
To find apartments in Chicago that adhere to the city’s rental laws and offer a fair and secure rental experience, search apartments for rent in Chicago on real estate
