Understanding Tenant Rights: Conditions Issues in Oak Park

Landlord's Duty

Landlords have a legal responsibility when it comes to maintaining their rental property. In most cases, they are responsible for repairing any damage that occurs on the property, as well as making sure that all essential amenities are working properly. If something goes wrong with the property, tenants have a right to contact their landlord and demand that the issue be fixed. Failing to maintain a rental property can lead to costly legal penalties.

Which Law Applies

An important step for tenants is to figure out if the Oak Park Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance covers their property. The RTLO does not protect the following tenants: 

• Living in a hotel or motel; 
• Living in nursing home, shelter, or school dormitory;
• Renting-to-own;
• Occupying a cooperative apartment;
• Employed by the landlord;
• Living in a building with 6 units or fewer and the landlord lives in the building;
• Living in a single-family home or condo where (A) the owner personally manages only that unit and (B) an immediate family member lived in the unit for at least 1 months before marketing the property.

What Next?

Oak Park RTLO: If a tenant is covered by the RTLO, a tenant can visit our other article on the topic by using this link.

Non-RTLO: If a tenant is not covered by the RTLO, they still have rights under general Illinois law. Visit our other article on the topic by using this link.