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 the conditions affecting habitability. This written notice needs to be given before the tenant signs or renews the lease or during the tenancy. The landlord needs to disclose:

1. Any code violations cited by the local city for the specific unit and the common area.
2. The case number of any administrative hearing or code enforcement litigation from the past 12 months. The notice should also include the code violations cited.
3.  Any notice from the city or a utility provider about the intent to terminate water, gas, electrical, or other utility service. This written notice needs to include the following information: intended date of termination, which service is being terminated, whether the termination will affect the dwelling unit, common areas, or both.

Can a tenant find this information?

A tenant may contact the Evanston Building Department about code violations and inspections at 847-448-8207.

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.