Understanding Tenant Rights: Options for Repairs Outside the Chicago RLTO
If a tenant has conditions issues and the landlord fails to make repairs, the Chicago RLTO gives three options: terminate the lease, withhold rent, or repair and deduct.
Sometimes, the RLTO doesn't fit a tenant's situation. What other non-legal options are available?
- Report the building violation(s) to the City of Chicago. Call 311 or go online.
- Save the tracking number to monitor the call's progress. If the agent doesn't offer a tracking number, ask for one.
- The city inspectors won't always notify the tenant when they will come.
- Contact the local alderman.
- To find the ward and alderman, click here.
- If there are building-wide issues, tenants might be able to organize.
- Metropolitan Tenants Organization helps tenants and their neighbors organize. Contact MTO's Building Organizing team to request a meeting to discuss tenants rights and how to organize. Call David Wilson at 773-292-4980 x 239.
- Seek the assistance of a community organization or the news media to complain about a code violation or illegal landlord practice.
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.