Who's Covered? A Guide to Understanding the Oak Park Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance

The Oak Park Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance gives rights and responsibilities to tenants and landlords in Oak Park. 

Am I covered under this law?

Almost all rental units in Oak Park are included (including mobile homes and subsidized units).

The following are not covered:

  • Units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units. 
  • Units in hotels or motels occupied for 31 or fewer days.
  • Public or private medical, extended care facility, geriatric facility, convent, monastery, temporary overnight shelter, or transitional shelter.
  • School dormitory rooms, employee's quarters, non-residential rental properties, and co-ops.
  • A single-family home or condominium if: 
    • The owner is only renting that one rental property, AND 
    • The owner or an immediate family member has lived in the home within the year

The landlord must notify a prospective tenant whether they are excluded from the RTLO before accepting any fees. Section 12-5-2(C) of the RTLO.

Anti-Lockout law applies to everyone in Oak Park.

However, the landlord cannot use self-help measures to kick the tenant out. Lockouts are illegal even if the tenant is not covered under the Oak Park RTLO. Section 12-6-2(C).


The above article provides information about legal issues but is not the same as legal advice. Legal advice is when a lawyer applies the law to your specific situation. The information in this article does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. Law Center for Better Housing cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information in this article and is not responsible for any consequences that may result from using it. You should consult with a licensed attorney to ensure the information in this article is appropriate for your specific situation. Using the information in this article does not create a relationship between Law Center for Better Housing and you as your attorney

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