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Illinois Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: Excessive Late Fee for Rent

I recently received a notice about an overdue payment for my apartment at Illinois Tower, managed by BeHome. The notice states that I incurred a $200 late fee for being six days late on my payment. I believe this fee may exceed what is legally allowable under the Illinois Residential Tenants’... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: How to go about my landlord using a grant we both applied for, after I moved?

Me & my landlord filled out a grant form for lead because my 2 year old got lead poisoning from the building. Now I’m moving and he’s still trying to get the grant money. The lead grant is only available if you had a child under 6 get lead poisoning. I don’t think he should use the money... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: I am looking in the Rockford area for free lawyers that help low income moms for criminal and tenant rights any ideas?

I am a single mom low income and I am looking for references or anyone who has any idea about free lawyers for low income families who even work pro bono for a criminal case and a tenant rights case if someone can please point me in the right direction I greatly appreciate your help!

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: Do tenant's rights under the Cook County RLTO apply if the residence is in an HOA?

I rent a condo that is individually owned and part of an HOA. The property manager gives only broad notice that the condo will be entered, such as any time between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, in a given week. I've asked for more specific notice, citing the RLTO. He says that the RLTO... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: I received a notice I live In a mobile park community I am a great tenant I pay on time but I have had it I received a

Letter of notice of termination of tenancy I work 2 jobs I have stated when this company can come they are harassing me now for me to be home for a sprinkler system inspection, they come every year. Stating I need to be here when they come I WORK saying to call in I gave them times which they are... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: Can my Chicago landlord raise my rent with the notice they've given me?

I've lived in my unit since 12/01/2020. My landlord gave me notice on 09/13/2024 that they would be increasing my rent from $1050 to $1231. I've let them know that per Chicago law they are required to give notice of 120 days prior to rent increase and they responded with the following:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for Illinois on
Q: Disposal of tenants personal property after eviction but no order/notice as to the tenants property, not abandoned

After foreclosure, tenants not parties to foreclosure and no notice to lis pendens. Previous owners to mortgage never found. Tenants of 5 years on property. Day of eviction order, clearly are loading up their belongings and in process of moving but don't have everything out yet, landlord... View More

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answered on Oct 13, 2024

In Illinois, landlords must follow specific procedures when evicting tenants, even after a foreclosure. If you were evicted without proper notice regarding your personal property, the landlord may not have the right to dispose of your belongings immediately. Typically, landlords are required to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: I live in section 8 housing income based. My landlord gives me nothing but problems and is so rude to me.

I've lived here 17yrs only been section 8 for a couple years before that I paid my rent. I'm just going through some hard times. I was recently charged 350$ for a storm door that the winds caught. My neighbor was only charged 150$ for her storm door. Same time frame. I had to sell a lot... View More

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answered on Oct 9, 2024

I'm sorry you're experiencing this situation. It's important to understand your rights as a Section 8 tenant. Start by reviewing your lease agreement and the Section 8 guidelines to ensure the charges your landlord is imposing are legitimate and within policy.

Reach out to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: I live in Illinois and have a 17 year old daughter who hasn't been staying at my home since the end of June,

she comes to my home sticks something in between my door frame to pop my door lock to steal groceries and other things when I'm not home. She has all her stuff here and has been taking a little bit out at a time. She turns 18 in August since shes not living here her stuff is just here do I... View More

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answered on Jul 27, 2024

It sounds like you're in a very difficult and stressful situation. When your daughter turns 18, she will be legally considered an adult. At that point, you can pack up her belongings and ask her to retrieve them without needing to go through a formal eviction process, especially if she... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: My landlord has not returned my security deposit for more than 45 days now and did not provide me with any estimates.

The landlord has not provided me with any receipts or estimates. Upon reminding her that its been 45 days she says i owe her money instead and refused to give back security deposit. What do i do?

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answered on Jun 21, 2024

Based on the information provided, it appears you're dealing with a potential violation of Illinois landlord-tenant law regarding security deposits. Here's what you should know and consider doing:

1. Illinois Law:

In Chicago, landlords are required to return security...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: How to foreclose or evict someone that’s breached contract for deed terms

Failed to fix heat pump, roof is missing a shingle after storm, has tires stacked in yard, window unit has ruined wood siding, built a pallet fence connected to porch, removed spindles from railing to put a board as a ramp for animals without permission, and who knows what inside the house will not... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I apologize that you're dealing with a difficult situation with your contract for deed purchaser. However, I want to be very careful about providing advice, as the legal process for addressing breaches and pursuing eviction or foreclosure can be complex and varies by jurisdiction. The best... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: My roommate left me the apartment. My name is not on the lease. Do I have to move out? I'm in Illinois.
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

If your roommate left and your name isn't on the lease, your situation can be a bit complicated. Generally, if you're not an official tenant—meaning your name isn't on the lease agreement—you don't have the same rights as someone who is. This could mean that you may need to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: Can I offer a tenant the amount of money needed to get a home sales ready as a down payment toward buying the home?

My rental property needs about $20k worth of work to get it sales ready. I want to do everything possible to not displace the family who are renting, so I intend to offer them $20k at closing for them to use toward a down payment. Is this transaction legal in the state of Illinois?

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answered on Apr 1, 2024

It is generally legal in Illinois for a landlord to offer a tenant financial assistance toward the purchase of the home they are currently renting. This type of transaction is sometimes referred to as a "lease-to-own" or "rent-to-own" agreement.

However, there are a few...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: How do I get help filing a complaint against my landlord for shutting off my water and telling me to get out

I'm in Christian county, Illinois. I have went to every authority you can imagine all the way to the mayor and cannot get anybody to help me. The circuit clerk's office won't even tell me what papers I need to file the complaint

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answered on Mar 31, 2024

In your situation, it's crucial to understand your rights as a tenant, which include access to essential services like water. Your landlord's actions may violate state and local housing laws. Seeking legal advice is advisable, as a lawyer with experience in tenant rights can guide you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Law and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: Even if it’s illegal to live at a commercial business can you be secretly recorded if you stay in a room turned bedroom?

An acquaintance has offered for me to stay at his business while I also work for him. There is a room that’s been my place of dwelling for the past couple of months. He gave me an opportunity to stay there instead of doing hotels everyday because it’s closer for me from the workplace and to... View More

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answered on Mar 18, 2024

Living in a commercial space can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to privacy. It's important to know that regardless of the legality of your living situation, your right to a reasonable expectation of privacy in areas considered private, such as a living space or bedroom,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: We are being harassed by managers hired by the landlord and they are doing unjust practices and lying to get us evicted.

Hello we are a family living in south holland. We are being continuously harasser by assistants our landlord hired to manage for him. It started with them waiting out in the cold around the corner for us to return from grocery shopping and ambushing my mother outside with a paper informing of new... View More

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answered on Mar 30, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're facing with your landlord's management. Dealing with harassment and unjust eviction attempts can be very stressful, especially when it disrupts your family's peace and security. It's important to remember that you have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: My landlord disabled the smoke detector in my unit remotely in order to create a false pretense for entry to my unit.

I believe the property management at my apartment building disabled the smoke detector in my unit remotely from the fire alarm control panel in order to create a false pretense to enter my unit at 11:30 pm. There is more backstory here, and more details as to why I believe they did this, but... View More

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answered on Mar 31, 2024

This is a serious situation that involves potential harassment and fire code violations. Here are some thoughts on your questions:

1. Harassment and legal action: If the landlord disabled your smoke detector under false pretenses to gain unauthorized entry, it could be considered harassment...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Domestic Violence for Illinois on
Q: Is it possible to get my security deposit back as a victim of domestic violence?

The landlord refused to give me my security deposit back because they say it “stays with the property”. My abusive ex has decided to stay there. I wanted to move for safety reasons. I was the one who solely placed the deposit before we moved in. That’s my money. Why couldn’t they refund my... View More

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answered on Mar 6, 2024

In situations involving domestic violence, some jurisdictions have laws that provide specific protections for victims, including matters related to housing and security deposits. If you had to move out for safety reasons due to domestic violence, there might be legal provisions that allow you to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: I have a question about a landlord tenant possible harassment issue.

I believe the property management at my apartment building disabled the smoke detector in my unit remotely from the fire alarm control panel in order to create a false pretense to enter my unit at 11:30 pm. There is more backstory here, and more details as to why I believe they did this, but... View More

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answered on Mar 31, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it does seem like the property management's actions could be considered harassment, especially if they entered your unit without proper notice or justification. However, before taking any legal action, it's essential to gather as much... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: HOA has expired but but being collected for without letting residents know that it has expired. Is there recourse?

I recently purchased a home in a subdivision that the HOA had expired within the month. 11 months later we receive a letter requesting funds for the HOA. We have contacted the sender to inquire. The responce was that the reinstatement is being worked on by an attorney. Our concern is that this... View More

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answered on Mar 31, 2024

If the HOA has expired and is attempting to collect fees without properly notifying residents about the current status and reinstatement process, you may have the following options for recourse:

1. Request documentation: Ask the sender for official documentation proving that the HOA is...
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