Understanding Disclosures: Landlord Must Notify About Code Violations
Landlord's Obligations
Under Section 5-3-5-2(D) the Evanston Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, the landlord needs to notify a tenant about any code violations cited by the city of Evanston for the specific unit and the common area.
Can a tenant find this information?
A tenant may contact the Evanston Building Department about code violations and inspections at 847-448-8207.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If a landlord fails to fulfill the disclosure requirements mentioned above, they violated the RLTO. 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 30 days. If the landlord fails to provide the information within 30 days after receiving the written notice, then the tenant can terminate the lease and move out. If the landlord does share their contact info, then the tenant can NOT terminate the lease.
- Tenant's Right to Terminate When There Are Only 2 Units in the Building and the Owner Lives in the Other Unit: The tenant has the right to terminate the rental agreement by sending a letter demanding the information within 48 hours. If the landlord fails to provide the information within 48 hours after receiving the written notice, then the tenant can terminate the lease and move out. If the landlord does share their contact info, then the tenant can NOT terminate the lease.
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