Understanding Essential Services: Heat Rights for Tenants in Cook County
As a tenant in Cook County, it's important to understand your rights when it comes to heating in your rental unit. The Cook County Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RTLO) is in place to protect tenants from substandard living conditions. Here's what you need to know:
Landlords must provide heat from September 15 to June 1 that maintains a minimum temperature:
- 68 degrees Fahrenheit between 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- 66 degrees Fahrenheit between 10:30 PM - 8:30 AM
If the landlord fails to provide heat at this level, tenants can contact the local department of buildings. The department will then conduct an inspection to determine whether the landlord is in violation of the Ordinance.
Tenants cannot immediately withhold rent to force their landlord to provide adequate heat. Doing so can result in legal action being taken against the tenant. Instead, tenants should follow the proper legal procedures and channels for filing complaints and getting the issue resolved.
In conclusion, as a tenant in Cook County, you have the right to adequate heat in your rental unit. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the RTLO, and don't hesitate to file a complaint with the local Department of Buildings if your landlord fails to provide heat that meets the minimum standards set by these ordinances.
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.