Cook County (RTLO) Conditions: What Does the Landlord Need to Repair?

Under the Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance, the landlord must maintain the premises in compliance with all applicable provisions of any relevant municipal code and section 42-805(C) and shall promptly make any and all repairs to fulfill this obligation. 

Habitability standards first depend on the local municipal code, if one has been passed. Where the property is in in a municipality that has not adopted a municipal building code or is in unincorporated Cook County, the landlord and tenant may use the Cook County Building Code, Sec. 102-102.

What does the landlord need to repair? What problems violate the law?

• Keep the building or parts of it from falling apart.
• Make sure floors can hold the weight they are supposed to.
• Follow the rules for the number, size, construction, location, and accessibility of exits.
• Make sure exit signs, stairway signs, fire escapes, and other signs are working and visible.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms, sprinklers, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers where required.
• Make sure elevators are working properly.
• Provide and keep in good condition a toilet, sink, bathtub or shower, and kitchen sink.
• Follow the rules for heating and gas appliances.
• Provide enough heat and hot water, and make sure it works properly.
• Provide hot and cold running water.
• Make sure hallways and stairs have enough light.
• Keep the foundation, walls, and roof in good condition, water-resistant, and free from rodents.
• Keep floors, walls, and ceilings in good condition and repair.
• Keep windows, doors, and hatchways in good condition and repair, and provide locks or security devices.
• Provide screens where required.
• Keep stairs and porches safe and in good repair.
• Keep the basement or cellar clean and safe.
• Keep equipment and chimneys in safe working condition.
• Prevent stagnant water from accumulating.
• Keep pests out.
• Provide a place for tenants to dispose of trash, and prevent garbage and debris from accumulating.
• Provide enough light and ventilation.
• Maintain plumbing.
• Maintain electrical systems.
• Maintain and repair any equipment or appliances the landlord supplies (e.g., dishwasher, fridge, stove, etc.).
• Keep the unit and common areas in good condition.

What can a tenant do if the landlord is in violation of the RTLO or local building code?

• If the landlord fails to make repairs in 14 days after receiving a written demand, then a tenant may be able to terminate the lease. 
• If the landlord fails to make repairs in 14 days after receiving a written demand, a tenant may be able to withhold rent,
• If the landlord fails to make repairs in 14 days after receiving a written demand, a tenant may be able to repair and deduct. 
• To explore other options outside of the RTLO, click this link.