This letter applies to residents within the city of Chicago only who are covered under the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Please see the Exceptions to the RLTO to ensure the law applies to you.
For tenants in suburban Chicagoland, please click here for the law as it applies in your town.
Category: Leases
Lawyers, Low-Income Housing & Other Resources
This is an informational resource list. None of the following organizations have affiliation with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization.
Legal Organization Referrals
Evictions (tenant must be low-income)
Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing …………..312-784-3527
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (serves Spanish speakers)………………..…312-332-1624
Chicago Legal Clinic (retaliatory eviction only) (serves Spanish speakers)………773-731-1762
Advice before court or to get an extension to stay:
CARPLS Advice Desk Room 602, Daley Center located at Station 7 – Pro se defendants only
Kent Law School Advice Desk Room 602, Daley Center – Pro se defendants only
Illinois Legal Aid Online Pro Se www.IllinoisLegalAid.org www.AyudaLegalIl.org
Tenants in CHA or HUD housing or on a Section 8 program
LAC (must fit under income guidelines)…312-341-1070
(unit conditions ONLY)……………….312-229-6093
Cabrini Green Legal Aid……..312-738-2452
Security Deposit Defense
Chicago Legal Clinic (deposit must be $2500 & over) ($30 1st visit & court)….773-731-1762
Cabrini Green Legal Clinic (income guideline & $20.00 fee)……….312 738 2452
Lawyers Committee for Better Housing……(312) 784-3527
Tenants over 60 years of age
Chicago Department on Aging………312-744-4016
Tenants with Disabilities And Seniors
Mayor’s Office for People with disability up to age 59 ……….312-744-6673
Legal Clinic for the Disabled and seniors (must receive referral from Chgo. Dept. Of Aging)……. 312-908-4463
Center for Disability and Elder Law (they also cover legal issues beyond Tenant/Landlord)………312 376 1880
Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4)…………………………………………………………………..773-769-0205
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Chicago HELPLINE………………………………………………….312-563-0445
Tenants living in Logan Square or surrounding neighborhoods:
Micah Legal Aid……… …….773 463-6768
Tenants living in or around Uptown area 60640
Uptown People’s Law Office (Eviction Defense Only) ………… ………773-769-1411
Suburbanites with questions
CARPLS (Cook County, serves Spanish speaking tenants too)…… …..312-738-9200
Open Communities (North & Northwest Cook County Suburbs)…847-501-5760
Prairie State Legal Services DeKalb & Kane………..630-232-9415
Du Page……… ..630-690-2130
Kane………….…630-232-9415
Lake & McHenry………847-662-6925
Will………………815-727-5123
Peoria…………….309-674-9831
MTO Lawyer Referral List
PRIVATE ATTORNEYS
Aldon Patt (security deposit) ……….312-641-0885
Brian Gilbert (eviction, security deposit, and consumer defense)….872-216-4615
David Morris (security deposit, affirmative RLTO, class actions, retaliation, lockouts, illegal entry, trespass, and utility theft if $3000 or more is owed to tenant) Chicago, Mt. Prospect, Oak Park and Evanston………………312-986-3200
Hall Adams (bed bugs, must demonstrate via paper trail that the bed bug issue has occurred)……………….. 312-445-4900
Joan Fenstermaker (security deposit, retaliation, foreclosure, illegal lockouts and illegal late fees)…….312-371-6473 or http://givemebackmydeposit.
John Norkus (security deposit, unit conditions, evictions, consumer)…312-600-7457
Joseph F. Vitu ……….312-726-2323 (building conditions, personal injury)
Susan Ritacca …………… 872-222-6960
Philip J. DeVon…………… 773-217-8481 (security deposit, illegal lockouts, conditions)
Michael A. Childers (security deposit, other legal advice)………..312- 641-1900 (speak or leave message with Beverly Hadley)
Mike Radzilowsky (primarily evictions) …………312-986-0600
Morgan Cook (tenant-landlord law, debt collection defense)…………………….312-880-7215 or www.legalmcfirm.com
Paul Bernstein (security deposit).…1-866-769-2892
William Moore (security deposits, affirmative RLTO) ……………….. 708-268-3495
Chicago Bar Association (for other Attorney referrals)…………….312-554-2001
(Free Legal Advice every 3rd Saturday of the month & no income guidelines.)
Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission………….…. (312) 565-2600
Government & Other Resources
Ameritech Reverse Directory (to find landlord address)…………411
CEDA (weatherization program for low income)……………800-571-2332
Center for Conflict Resolution (Mediation)……………312-922-6464
CHAC Fraud Hotline…………………………..800-533-0441
CHA………………………………312-935-2600
Chicago Dept. on Aging + (disabled & tenants over 60)…………312-744-4016
Chicago Department of Childhood Lead Poisoning….(312) 747-5323
Chicago Dept. of Community Development……………………………311 or 312.744.5000
Chicago Housing Authority (CHA Housing and Sec. 8)…………312-742-8500
CHA Hotline (for complaints about CHA management)……………………1-800-544-7139
Circuit Court Clerk’s Office (to find out if you’re being sued)…………312-603-5030
Citizen’s Utility Board (complaints about utility bill)…………..…800-669-5556
Condo Owners………. 312-987-1906
Cook County Recorder of Deeds (Sale of Property Info)………312-603-5050
Cook County Sheriff’s Eviction Unit…………….312-603-3365
Cook County States Attorney Consumer Fraud………..312-814-3000
Department of Consumer Services (sec. deposit & utility theft complaints) …312-744-4090
Department of Human Services (emergency shelter)………312-746-5400
Eviction Court…………………..312-603-6486
Or cookcountyclerkofcourt.org (full docket search)
For Building Inspections & Emergency Rental Assistance…………..311 or 312-744-5000
HOME (Seniors needing help moving) …………..(773) 921-1332
MTO Hotline* – Tenants Rights …. 773-292-4988 (M-F, 1-5pm)
HUD Complaints about Section 8 Counselor……………….312-353-6236
HUD…………………………..312-353-7776
IL Commerce Commission (regulates utility providers)…………800-524-0795
Independent Police Review Authority (to file complaint against police) ……………… 312-745-3609
Lakeside CDC (condo owners)……………………..773 381 5253
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)………..312-795-8800
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (social support for the elderly)…………312-455-1000
Pro Se Court, Rm 602, Daley Center (for claims up to $1500)……….312-603-5626
Rental Assistance & Utility Assistance………311 or 312.744.5000, ask for short term help
Shriver Center (victims of sexual & domestic assault)………….……..….312-263-3830
Small Claims Court (for claims between $1500 to $5000) .Civil Division…..312-603-5145
United States Postal Service……………………………….800-275-8777
Discrimination
Access Living (disability 226-1687TDD-hearing impaired)………312-640-2100
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law………312-630-9744
Commission on Human Relations (all discrimination complaints)…312-744-4111
Illinois Department of Human Rights (Fair Housing Division)………………..312-814-6227
John Marshall Law School Fair Housing Legal clinic…………312-786-2267
Latinos United (referrals and trainings)………….312-226-0151
Foreclosure
newschicago.org or cookcountyassessor.com (to get PIN # of the property, then call recorder of deeds)
Recorder of Deeds……………………………………312-603-5050
(Give them PIN# to see if apt. has a case #, if it has a case number call Chancery Court 312-603-5133)
Neighborhood Housing Services (landlords facing foreclosure)…………….773-329-4010
Tenants in foreclosure (income guideline & costs)
Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing (referral must be faxed).……312- 784-3507
(Statewide)……………………….855-207-8347
Low-Income Housing Resources:
www.ILHousingSearch.org
Bickerdike Apartments (low-income housing)…………………………………………773-227-6332
– Provides housing for low-income tenants.
Chicago Housing Authority…………………………………………………….. …….. (312) 742-8500
– The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal housing rental assistance program. It allows low-
income families to rent good housing in the private market. The voucher program pays a portion of their rent each month directly to the property owner or manager.
Cook County Housing Authority…………………………………………………………(312)542-4728
– Provides access to decent, safe, and affordable housing to low and moderate income individuals, families,
elderly and/or disabled within suburban Cook County.
Earthly Women Corp. ……………………………………………………………………..708 822 3786
– Serves women and single parents.
East Lake Management & Development Corp…………………………………..……..312.842.5500
– Offers affordable housing to tenants throughout the chicagoland area.
Habitat Corp……………………………………………………………………..…….….(312)527-5700
– Provides housing for low-income tenants.
Heartland Alliance……………………………………………………………………..….312- 660-1300
– They build and advocate for safe, high-quality housing and supportive services for people experiencing
homelessness, poverty, or chronic illness.
Hispanic Housing Development Corporation………………………………………… (312) 602-6500
– Provides housing for low-income families and the elderly.
Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.)………….……. 773-921-3200
– Committed to improving the quality of life for Chicago’s low-income elderly, Housing Opportunities and
Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.) helps seniors remain independent and part of their community by
offering opportunities for intergenerational living and by providing a variety of citywide support services.
Housing Opportunities for Women…………………………………………….………(773) 465-5770
– Their goal is to help homeless women and children exit the homeless shelter system as quickly as possible
by providing rental subsidies to secure permanent housing. They also offer employment services.
IL Housing Development Authority……………………………………………….…… (312)836-5200
– Help create and fund affordable housing programs across the state.
Mercy Housing Lakefront Office………………………………………………………….312.447.4500
– To create stable, vibrant and healthy communities by developing, financing and operating affordable,
program-enriched housing for families, seniors and people with special needs who lack the economic
resources to access quality, safe housing opportunities.
Landlords seeking assistance
Chicago Rents Right…….………………312-742-7369
Spanish Coalition for Housing…………773-276-7633
Community Investment Corporation……………312 258 0070
or via email (preferred): taft.west@cicchicago.com
Neighborhood Housing Services (landlords facing foreclosure)…………….773-329-4010
Resources for Homeowners:
Partners In Community Building, Inc…………….312.328.0873
– Financial Literacy, Credit Repair, Other services
Translation Services:
Chinese American Service League (Translation, Southside)…………………312-791-0418
Chinese Mutual Aid (Translation, North side)……………………………………773-784-2900
Polish American Association……………………………………………..773-282-8206
Resources for writing letters or other areas of support (citywide)
LIFT- Chicago Uptown Office…………………………773-303-0700
LIFT- Chicago Pilsen Office……………………………312-994-8387
Renting & Credit Reports
Credit reports contain “information” about where you live and work and your bill paying habits; it may also state whether there has been an eviction or arrest. Landlords have the right to charge for credit reports. Many landlords pay credit agencies for reports. A landlord may also track credit themselves, by contacting banks, credit card companies, and checking court files for lawsuits or bankruptcies. Either way, the landlord can charge a non-refundable fee for the check.
Landlords can set whatever credit standards they want. They must hold that standard to all applicants. If they do not, they may be charged with discrimination. Some landlords may accept an applicant with a poor credit history by charging a larger security deposit or requiring a cosigner. The cosigner is fully responsible for the costs of the apartment.
How to get your credit report?
If someone is denied housing because of a credit check, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that the landlord supply the name and address of the credit agency used. If contacted within 30 days, the agency must supply the tenant with the report for free.
How to fix errors on your report?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to dispute information on your credit report. Write a letter to the credit agency. Clearly identify the items you dispute, and request deletions or corrections. Include copies of any thing that may support your claim, such as a receipt for rent. Send the letter certified mail and keep a copy.
If the agency feels no change to your report is necessary, file a statement of up to 100 words explaining your side of the story. The credit agency must include this statement any time it sends out your credit report. If you feel the agency did not properly investigate your dispute, file a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission or the States Attorney.
What collectors may and may not do
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act bans certain types of debt collection and applies to anyone who collects debts for others. This includes property managers and lawyers.
A collector may not contact you at unreasonable times or places. This may include your place of work. A collector may not tell anyone else that you allegedly owe money. Harassment is illegal. They may not repeatedly use the telephone to annoy you, threaten you or use obscene language. Debt collectors may not falsely imply that you committed a crime or will be arrested for not paying. Debt collectors may not garnish wages or property without a court judgment.
How to stop a debt collector?
If you believe a debt collector has violated the law, you have the right to sue in state or federal court. You may recover damages, court costs, and attorney fees if you win. Whether or not you sue, you should report any problems with a debt collector to the States Attorney and the Federal Trade Commission. Once a collector receives a letter telling them to stop contacting you, they may only contact you to say that there will be not further contact or regarding a specific action.
Thanks to the Ann Arbor Tenants Union for the credit information
Chicago Space / Occupancy Requirements
In order to meet legal requirements, a unit must have at a minimum, the following amount of square feet:
one person – 125 sq. feet
2 people – 250 sq. feet
3 people – 350 sq. feet
4 people – 450 sq. feet
5 people – 525 sq. feet
6 people – 600 sq. ft
7 people – 675 sq. ft
8 people – 750 sq. ft
9 people – 825 sq. ft
10 people – 900 sq. ft
Leases – FAQ
NOTE: If your landlord lives in your building, see the “Exceptions” note on the right side of this page.
This FAQ describes the different types of leases, how and when you can terminate a lease and identifies different lease provisions that are prohibited by law.
Does every tenant have a lease agreement?
Yes. It may be a written lease or an oral (unwritten) lease.
What is the advantage of a written lease agreement?
It sets out the terms of your agreement with the landlord. Furthermore, it states how long your tenancy will last, and your landlord cannot terminate this tenancy early unless you violate one of the lease provisions.
If I do not have a written lease, when can my tenancy be terminated?
Either you or your landlord can terminate it with at least one month advance written notice (if you pay rent every month), or at least 7 days advance written notice (if you pay rent every week). Neither of you has to give reason for terminating the tenancy.
If I have a written lease, can my landlord raise my rent before the lease ends?
Only if the lease states that the landlord can do this. Otherwise, your rent must remain the same until the lease ends.
If I do not have a written lease, when can my landlord raise the rent?
Your landlord can raise the rent only after giving you advance written notice. If you pay rent on a monthly basis, you must receive at least one month written notice. If you pay rent on a weekly basis, you must receive at least 7 days written notice.
What if I have a written lease that has provisions that I don’t like?
Don’t sign it. Once you sign the lease you are bound by all its provisions unless these provisions are against the law. (Illegal provisions are listed below). If you don’t like a provision, ask your landlord to cross it out. If he/she agrees to do this, both of you should put your initials next to the provision that has been crossed out.
What lease provisions are against the law?
Any provision stating that you agree to:
- Give up any of your rights under Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance;
- Limit your landlord’s liability for breaking the law;
- Let your landlord win an eviction action against you without first serving you with a termination notice and a summons to appear in court;
- Give up your right to a jury trial if your landlord files an eviction action against you;
- Pay for your landlord’s attorney’s fees if he/she files an eviction against you;
- Pay a late fee in excess of the amount allowed by the Ordinance (see below); or
- Receive a discount that is equal to more than the monthly fee allowed by the Ordinance if you pay your rent before a certain day of the month.
How much can my landlord charge as a late fee?
If your monthly rent is $500 or less your landlord can charge you no more than $10 per month. If your monthly rent is more than $500, your landlord can charge you an additional fee equal to 5% of the amount that exceeds $500. Therefore if your rent is $700, your landlord can charge you $10 pus 5% of 200, for a total late fee of $20.
Is my lease still in effect if it has an illegal provision?
Yes. Your lease is still in effect, but your landlord cannot enforce the illegal provision. If he/she tries to enforce an illegal provision, you can sue him/her.
Do I have to move if my landlord sells the property before my lease ends?
No. Your lease remains in effect and the new owner has to comply with the terms of this agreement.
If I have a written lease, what happens when it ends?
If you want to leave the apartment when your lease ends, you can just move. You do not have to give your landlord any advance notice.
What if my landlord wants me to move when my written lease ends?
At least 30 days before the lease ends your landlord must provide you with a written notice stating that your tenancy will not be renewed. If you do not receive this notice in a timely manner, you may stay in the unit for up to 60 days after the date on which you do receive the notice. (remember, however, that your obligation to pay rent continues during this 60 day period).
Can I break my lease before it ends?
Only if your landlord agrees to let you out of the lease or violates your rights under Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. If you want to break the lease because your landlord has violated your rights, contact an attorney.
What if my landlord doesn’t let me break the lease, but I still move out before the lease ends?
Your landlord must make a good faith effort to re-rent the apartment. If she’s unsuccessful, you remain responsible for the rent. If he/she rents it for less than what you were paying you remain responsible for the difference.
Can I sublet my apartment?
Yes, and your landlord cannot charge you any subletting fees. Furthermore, if your landlord does not let you sublet to a suitable person, you don’t have to pay the rent for that period that begins when the subtenant was willing to move in.
What if my subtenant does not pay the rent?
You remain responsible for it.
Please Note:This information, published by the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization as a public service, gives you only a general idea of your rights and responsibilities under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance and other relevant chapters of Chicagoís Municipal Code. It is meant to inform, but not to advise. Before enforcing your rights, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney who can analyze the facts of your case and apply the law to these facts.
Still can’t find the answer? Send us your questions. Please allow several days for a response.