The Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing created the Renters’ Resource Guide to assist you in understanding the legal remedies available under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance
Our Renters’ Resource Guide was created to assist renters in understanding the legal remedies available under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. While the guide does not take the place of legal advice, knowledge is power! The more you know about your rights and responsibilities, the sooner you can recognize a potential problem and take appropriate action. The remedies provided in the Ordinance were designed and intended for use by non-lawyers, but if you are involved in a lawsuit as a result of a landlord dispute, you should consult an attorney immediately.
NOTE: Chapter 8: The Eviction Process has been updated and replaced by our Renters' Guide to Eviction Court
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide
Resource Guide: Ordinance Summary
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 1Resource Guide: Fair Housing
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 2This chapter of the Chicago Renters' Resource Guide provides an overview housing discrimination. It is illegal to discriminate in any real estate transaction including rental, sale, terms and conditions of the rental or sale, advertising and lending. There are four major agencies in Chicago that handle housing discrimination complaints: Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR), Cook Count Commission on Human Rights (CCCHR), U.S.
Resource Guide: The Rental Agreement
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 3This chapter of the Chicago Renters' Resource Guide provides an overview of the rental agreement, otherwise known as the lease.
A lease is a contract containing promises between you and the landlord. There are two types: a written lease and a spoken or oral agreement. Both are recognized by the courts and can be legally binding. Understanding what you are agreeing to when signing a lease or what you are agreeing to orally with your landlord is very important.
Resource Guide: The Landlord's Responsibility
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 4This chapter of the Chicago Renters' Resource Guide provides an overview of the landlord's responsibilities under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) for maintaining his/her building in compliance with the Municipal Code and making all repairs promptly.
Resource Guide: Self Help Remedies
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 5Resource Guide: Essential Services
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 6Resource Guide: Writing Letters
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 7This chapter of the Chicago Renters' Resource Guide provides an overview of writing letters to your landlord. When writing to your landlord, be specific in describing the problems you are having. Do not exaggerate or under-emphasize the extent of the problem. The landlord may show this letter to a judge if your problem is ever litigated. You want to make sure it conveys the truth of the situation accurately to give yourself the best possible chance of winning the case.
Resource Guide: Eviction Process
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 8This chapter of the Chicago Renters' Resource Guide has been updated and replaced by our Renters' Guide to Eviction Court
Resource Guide: Lockouts
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 9Resource Guide: Landlord Retalition
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 10Resource Guide: Moving Out
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 11This chapter of the Chicago Renters' Resource Guide provides an overview of issues related to moving out. Moving out can be a complicated process and knowing your rights is extremely important. This knowledge can help solve problems that arise and keep you protected even after you have moved out.
Resource Guide: Security Deposits
Chicago Renters' Resource Guide, Chapter 12This chapter of the Chicago Renters' Resource Guide provides an overview of security deposits. When you rent an apartment, the landlord almost always ask for a security deposit. This is a sum of money that the landlord holds to cover any damage that may occur while you are living in the apartment. Although the landlord holds it, a security deposit remains the property of the tenant. The security deposit may be used only for damages that make the apartment un-rentable.