Common Conditions FAQ: How Can I Keep My Landlord Accountable?
Question:
I want to hold the landlord accountable for not making repairs. What can I do?
Response:
A tenant has several options when the landlord fails to make repairs.
- Use the legal remedies from the Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance or general Illinois law to terminate the lease, withhold repairs, or make minor repairs and deduct from the rent.
- Contact the local elected representative.
- Organize building-wide with the help of Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO).
- Seek the assistance of a community organization or the news media to complain about a code violation or illegal landlord practice.
- Report the building violation to the local agency responsible for enforcement. Check the local city/village/town's department of buildings or code enforcement.
- Sue the landlord. Section 42-806(C) of the Cook County RTLO. A tenant would have to do that alone or with the help of a private attorney.
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.