Understanding the Ins and Outs of the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance

If you're looking to rent a property in Chicago, you need to be familiar with the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). This is a piece of legislation that regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants, and it lays out the rights and responsibilities of both parties. The RLTO was enacted in 1986 to ensure that tenants are treated fairly and that they are provided with safe and habitable living conditions. In this article, we'll explain the key provisions of the RLTO, and we'll provide you with some tips on how to protect your rights as a tenant.

What is the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance?

The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is a set of laws that govern the relationship between landlords and tenants in Chicago. It was enacted in 1986 to ensure that tenants are treated fairly and that they are provided with safe and habitable living conditions.

What does the RLTO cover?

The RLTO covers a wide range of issues that relate to the rental of residential properties in Chicago. Some of the key provisions of the RLTO include:

1. Security Deposits: The RLTO limits the amount that landlords can charge for security deposits, and it lays out specific requirements for how landlords must handle security deposits.

2. Rent Increases: The RLTO regulates how and when landlords can increase rent.

3. Repairs: The RLTO requires landlords to make necessary repairs to rental units in a timely manner.

4. Evictions: The RLTO sets out specific procedures that landlords must follow when evicting tenants.

5. Privacy: The RLTO restricts the circumstances under which landlords can enter a rental unit.

6. Discrimination: The RLTO prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors.

Who does the RLTO apply to?

The RLTO applies to all residential rental properties in the city of Chicago, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes. It covers both tenants and landlords, and it applies to all rental agreements, whether they are written or verbal.

What are some of the key protections provided by the RLTO?

The RLTO provides tenants with a number of important protections, including:

1. The right to a habitable living space: The RLTO requires landlords to provide tenants with a safe and habitable living space, and it sets out specific requirements for things like heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.

2. The right to privacy: The RLTO restricts the circumstances under which landlords can enter a rental unit, and it requires landlords to provide tenants with reasonable notice before entering a rental unit.

3. The right to a return of their security deposit: The RLTO sets out specific requirements for how landlords must handle security deposits, and it requires landlords to return security deposits to tenants within a certain amount of time.

4. Protection against retaliatory eviction: The RLTO prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who assert their rights under the ordinance.

5. Protection against discrimination: The RLTO prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors.

What are some tips for tenants to protect their rights under the RLTO?

If you're a tenant in Chicago, there are several things you can do to protect your rights under the RLTO. Here are some tips:

1. Read your lease agreement carefully: Make sure you understand the terms of your lease agreement, including your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

2. Document everything: Keep records of all communications with your landlord, including emails, texts, and phone calls. Take photos of any issues or repairs that need to be made in your rental unit.

3. Report issues to your landlord in writing: If you have a problem with your rental unit, report it to your landlord in writing. This will create a record of the issue, and it will give your landlord notice that the issue needs to be addressed.

4. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with the provisions of the RLTO so that you know what your rights are as a tenant.

5. Seek legal help if necessary: If you believe that your landlord has violated your rights under the RLTO, seek legal help from an attorney or a tenant advocacy group.

FAQs about the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance

What is the penalty for violating the RLTO?

Landlords who violate the RLTO can be fined up to $500 per violation. Tenants who are successful in suing their landlords for violating the RLTO may be entitled to damages, including the return of their security deposit.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?

Under the RLTO, landlords must return a tenant's security deposit within 45 days after the tenant moves out of the rental unit.

Can a landlord evict a tenant without a reason?

No, landlords in Chicago cannot evict tenants without a valid reason, such as non-payment of rent, violating the terms of the lease agreement, or creating a nuisance.

Conclusion

The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is an important piece of legislation that protects the rights of both tenants and landlords in Chicago. As a tenant, it's important to be familiar with the provisions of the RLTO so that you can protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly. By understanding your rights under the RLTO and taking steps to protect those rights, you can have a positive rental experience and avoid common issues that can arise between landlords and tenants.