Understanding Disclosures: Landlord Must Notify about Intended Utility Service Termination in Cook County
Under Section 52-810(C) of the Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance, the landlord needs to notify a tenant about the local government’s intention or the utility provider’s intention to terminate water, gas, electrical, or other utility service. This written notice needs to be given before the tenant signs or renews the lease.
The 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.
What if the landlord fails to disclose this information?
- A tenant has the opportunity to terminate the lease. The tenant needs to send a written notice telling the landlord why the lease is terminating (no disclosure of intended utility service termination based off Section 42-810(C)) and when the lease is terminating (no later than 30 days after the written notice date).
- If the tenant sues the landlord or is being sued by the landlord and can prove that the landlord violated this part of the Cook County law, then the tenant may be awarded damages equal to one months’ rent or actual damages, plus reasonable 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.