A great property does not make for a great landlord. The people of Chicago have experienced some pretty mismatched arrangements through the decades, with some seriously-bad landlords holding onto some very desirable properties.
Starr, Bejgiert, Zink & Rowells has some advice pertaining to tenant law in Chicago. There are some features of tenant protection thatmany tenants are not well-aware of. Thankfully, Illinois law helps to support tenants ensnared in a bad community situation with the landlord. Below are just three rights tenants have and don’t often know about.
Interest Back and More
The deposit paid to the landlord is not for their personal amusement. According to tenant law, it should be kept in a money-making investment account. The deposit is a source of investment. A tenant should be able to retrieve their deposit back in many instances, and even a little more. This is money for the tenant. Now, there are details that can potentially leave the deposit in the hands of the landlord. This is a matter best dealt with through tenant law in Chicago and a local lawyer.
Deposit Repayment
Though there is a window of opportunity for a landlord to properly retain a deposit, the window is not open forever. Legally, a landlord should authorize and confirm any costs incurred due to a tenant’s stay which would force them to keep a deposit. They have about 45 days to confirm this data. If they do not, a tenant is obligated to get their deposit back without a proof of expense from the landlord.
Repayment for Repairs
Should tenants pay for expenses related to damages and repairs? Generally no, but they are often forced to due to inaction from the landlord. The issue here brings up a problem with moving out, and one that could hold up final arrangements. Repayment from the landlord for repairs is an obligation. Tenants are legally allowed to hold rent back if they have receipts backing up the repair.
Explore these aspects of tenant law and more by contacting a local lawyer. They can assist you through this area of law and help provide answers for how to handle a bad landlord. For more details, visit our Google+ page.
