Tenant's Right to Quiet Enjoyment: What Can I Do About the Construction?
Have you ever faced a situation where renovations and construction make your home less comfortable? You're not alone! Let's talk about your right to a peaceful living space and what you can do if construction affects your home enjoyment.
Tenants have the right known as the "right to quiet enjoyment." This means a tenant should have a peaceful and comfortable living environment. If the noise, odor, and dust from construction impacts your living conditions, it might infringe on this right.
So, what can you do about it?
- Talk to the Landlord: Start by having a conversation with your landlord or property manager. Explain how the construction noise or disruptions are affecting your daily life. Ask about the nature of the renovations, when they will be done, and if there are any measures that can minimize the disturbance.
- Keep Records: Document instances when you notice the construction/renovations and how it affects you. Dates, times, and any impact on your health or comfort are essential details. Having a record can support your case if you need to take further action.
- Know Your Rights: Check your lease agreement or tenant rights laws in your area.
- Chicago Noise Ordinance: This local law has a quiet time for construction, repair, or demolition equipment.
- Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance: Generally, tenants can ask the landlord to finish repairs within 14 days.
- Request Accommodations: Depending on the situation, you can ask your landlord for accommodations during the renovation period. This might involve requesting a temporary relocation or asking for certain measures to reduce noise or disturbance.
- Seek Legal Advice: If the issue persists and your landlord hasn’t taken steps to address it, consider seeking legal advice. There might be legal avenues available to help protect your right to quiet enjoyment.
Remember, it's essential to approach the situation calmly and respectfully. Communicating your concerns and exploring available options often lead to a resolution that ensures a better living environment for everyone.
To read more about what tenants can do when the landlord does NOT respond to their concerns, click here.
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.