Understanding Essential Services: Heat Rights for Tenants in Evanston

If you're a renter in Evanston, it's important to know your rights when it comes to staying warm during the colder months.

Is there a minimum temperature?

Yes. Every landlord that provides heat for tenants needs to make sure that the heat is a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit between September 15th and June 1st. This includes all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.

Stoves and space heaters - whether portable or permanently installed - should not be utilized as the primary source of heat for any unit or room.

Tips for heating

  • It's important to take steps to ensure that your apartment is being heated effectively. Make sure that storm windows are closed, radiators and vents are in the open position, and that furniture is not blocking radiators or vents.
  • Temperature measurements must be taken three feet from an exterior wall and three feet above the floor.

What options are there when a tenant has inadequate heat?

  • If you're experiencing cold conditions or hazardous stairwells, etc., you should contact the Health and Human Services Department, 311, or 847.448.4311 during business hours of 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.
  • If you experience a heat emergency after hours, including weekends, please call the Police non-emergency number at 847.866.5000 and ask for the Property Maintenance Inspector on call to be paged.

Remember, as a renter in Evanston, you have the right to a warm and safe living environment. By taking the steps outlined above and reporting any issues to the appropriate authorities, you can help to ensure that your living conditions remain comfortable and safe throughout the colder months.

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

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