Tag: chicago tenants

Tenants Fight a Roach Infestation with FWP

Posted on by Yesenia

Story by Tulsi McDaniels

In September 2024, tenants Simone and Andrew moved into a building managed by First Western, only to discover a severe roach infestation. They sought help from MTO, who guided them in drafting a formal termination letter to end their lease early.

However, their experience with First Western quickly became a nightmare. As Simone explained,

“Our experience with First Western was one of the most stressful we’ve ever faced. They completely pulled the rug out from under us once we sent them money. We never even got official keys. They are just a half step away from being a complete scam… leaving us without habitable housing. An experience I wish on no one.”

First Western initially denied their request and demanded an additional two months’ rent to terminate the lease. With MTO’s support, Simone and Andrew stood firm, highlighting the building’s failure to meet health and safety standards. Their persistence paid off when First Western agreed to release them from the lease without extra charges, allowing them to move to a safer home.

Their experience demonstrated the importance of tenant rights and the power of advocacy in the face of predatory property management.

Tenant Lockouts Are Illegal

Posted on by Yesenia

Story by Tulsi McDaniels

A picture of a judge's gavel.Only A Judge Can Evict You

In July, MTO counselors jumped into action when tenant Harold D. faced an illegal eviction by his landlord.

The landlord changed the locks. Harold called the police. As often happens, the police declined to act or even to file an official report of the incident.

Despite the police refusing to do their job, Harold and the MTO counselor persisted.

With the help of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization, an advocate engaged with the landlord, informing him of the potential for jail and daily fines for continuing the lockout. This threat of escalating penalties prompted the landlord to restore Harold’s access within the hour.

Thanks to the effective advocacy and Harold’s persistence, he successfully reclaimed his home and upheld his rights as a tenant.

MTO is currently planning to pilot a lockout project to demonstrate an alternative to relying on the police to enforce the law. Stay tuned and don’t let landlords bully you out of your apartment.