Understanding Disclosures: Landlords Must Provide Contact Information in Evanston

As a tenant, it's important to be aware of tenants' rights and the landlord's responsibilities. Evanston implemented the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) to protect tenants and ensure fair housing practices. One crucial aspect of the RLTO is the requirement for landlords to disclose certain information to tenants before the tenancy begins.

Landlord's Disclosure Obligations

According to the RLTO, landlords or their authorized representatives must provide written disclosure to tenants, including the following information:

1. Manager's Contact Information: Before the tenant moves in, the landlord must provide the tenant with the full name, address, and 24-hour telephone number of the person authorized to manage the building.
2. 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.

What if the landlord violates the Evanston RLTO?

A tenant may end the lease by giving written notice. The notice must say when the lease ends, and the date must be within 30 days from when it is given.

A tenant can also sue the landlord for $200. The tenant can also pursue any other damages experienced and attorney's fees. Section 5-3-5-2 of the RLTO.