Common Conditions FAQ: Can the Landlord Charge Me for Repairs?
Under the Evanston Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, the landlord must maintain the building in substantial compliance with Evanston's code regulations.
- The landlord must promptly make any and all repairs necessary to fulfill their duty. Section 5-3-5-3(A) of the RLTO.
- The landlord and tenant can agree that the tenant makes the repairs if:
- They sign a written agreement in good faith;
- Everyone gets something fair in return for the agreement; and
- The agreement doesn't affect the landlord's duty to maintain fit premises for other tenants. Section 5-3-5-3(B) of the RLTO.
The landlord can likely charge a tenant if the damage was caused deliberately or negligently by the tenant or someone on the premises with the tenant's permission.
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.