Understanding Disclosures: Landlord Must Provide Contact Information in Oak Park
As a tenant, it's important to be aware of tenants' rights and the landlord's responsibilities. Oak Park implemented the Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) to protect tenants and ensure fair housing practices. One crucial aspect of the RTLO is the requirement for landlords to disclose certain information to tenants before the tenancy begins.
Landlord's Disclosure Obligations
According to the RTLO, landlords or their authorized representatives must provide written disclosure to tenants, including the following information:
- Landlord's or Property Manager's Contact Information: Before the tenant moves in, the landlord must provide the tenant with the name, address, and telephone number of the owner or manager. This ensures that tenants can easily reach out to the landlord for any necessary communication regarding the rental property.
- Agent for Service of Process: The landlord must also share the name and contact information of a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner for the purpose of receiving legal notices and demands. This includes service of legal documents and receipting for notices or demands.
The landlord's obligations continue during the whole tenancy. Even if the property changes ownership or management during the tenancy, the new landlord is still bound by the disclosure requirements.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If a landlord fails to fulfill the disclosure requirements mentioned above, they violated the RTLO. In such cases:
- Tenant's Right to Terminate: The tenant has the right to terminate the rental agreement by sending a letter demanding the information within 2 business days. If the landlord fails to provide the information within 2 business days after receiving the written notice, then the tenant can terminate the lease and move out within 30 days. If the landlord does share their contact info, then the tenant can NOT terminate the lease.
- Tenant's Compensation: If the landlord continues to disregard the disclosure requirements even after receiving written notice from the tenant, the tenant may be entitled to compensation in court. This compensation can either be $200.00 plus any other actual damages and attorney's fees.
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.