Q: Tenant caused water damage to the kitchen sink cabinet that requires total replacement. How may I demand he repairs it?
The tenant has only been there 5 months, so this is negligence on his part. When I went to inspect the damage, he snapped and asked me to leave in a threatening way. I want to send him a repair demand notice and wonder how to word it, i.e., how many days the deadline should be and what the consequence of failure to repair will be (lease termination/eviction?).
A: The precise answer to your question depends on a number of factors, such as the extent of damage and the location of the apartment. Is the apartment located in Chicago? If so, it may be governed by the CRLTO which imposes very strict notice requirements for such matters. Further, if it is not adhered to exactly, your tenant can file an action against you for a two times the security deposit plus reasonable attorneys fees. I would recommend organizing all information relevant to this situation, including the lease and pictures of the damage, and consult with a landlord tenant attorney individually. Many of us offer free consultations, so it will not cost you anything to obtain a professional's opinion that is tailored to the facts surrounding your situation.
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