Common Conditions FAQ: What Can I Do if I Have Rodents?
Are you living in Mount Prospect and finding unwelcome guests like rodents in your home? Don't worry, you're not alone, and there are things you can do about it!
- Inform Your Landlord: If the Mount Prospect Residential Landlord and Tenant Regulations protects a tenant, a tenant can let your landlord know about the rodents with a demand letter. Tenants should do this in writing, like sending an email or a letter. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of this communication for your records.
- Give Some Time: Your landlord needs time to fix the rodent problem. They usually have about 7 to 14 days to start getting rid of those pests. If they don't take any action, things can get more serious.
- Inspection: If your landlord doesn't do anything about the rodents, you can contact the Mount Prospect Code Enforcement Program. They might send someone to check the situation and tell your landlord to fix it.
- Assert Legal Rights: If the rodent problem is terrible and your landlord isn't doing anything, you can withhold some of your rent money or terminate the lease. A 7-day letter must be sent before withholding rent. A 14-day letter must be sent before terminating the lease. It’s important to follow the rules carefully, so don’t hesitate to talk to a lawyer before you try this.
If the Mount Prospect Regulations does not protect you, click here for other options.
Remember, the key thing is to keep good records of everything. Write down when you told your landlord, any responses you got, and any actions you took. This can be helpful if things get more serious and you need to show that you tried to solve the problem.
Dealing with rodents can be really frustrating, but you have rights to make sure your home is a comfortable and safe place to live. Just remember to stay informed, follow the rules, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
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.