Common Conditions FAQ: How Can I Keep My Landlord Accountable?

Question:

I want to hold the landlord accountable for not making repairs. What can I do?

Response:

A tenant has several options when the landlord fails to make repairs.

1. Use the legal remedies from the Oak Park Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance or general Illinois law to terminate the lease, withhold repairs, or make minor repairs and deduct from the rent.
2. Contact the local elected representative.
3. Organize building-wide with the help of Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO).
4. Seek the assistance of a community organization or the news media to complain about a code violation or illegal landlord practice. 
5. Report the building violation to the Village Code Enforcement.
6. Sue the landlord. Section 12-6-6(C) of the Oak Park RTLO. A tenant would have to do that alone or with the help of a private attorney.