By Michael DeSantis In recent blogs, we have discussed the newly enacted Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance. This time, we will focus on Section 42-811, which discusses security deposits. First, a landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit in excess of 1 1/2 months’ rent. The ordinance specifically states that you

By Michael DeSantis A newly enacted Cook County residential tenant-and-landlord ordinance includes Section 42-806, which focuses on various tenants’ rights that you should know. Cook County commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 28 to pass the Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (No. 20-3562), which went into effect on June 1 and has been the topic of our

By Michael DeSantis A newly enacted Cook County residential tenant-and-landlord ordinance includes Section 42-805, which focuses on various tenants’ rights that you should know. Cook County commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 28 to pass the Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (No. 20-3562), which goes into effect in June and has been the topic of our blogs

By Michael DeSantis Landlords should be aware of Section 42-804 of a new Cook County ordinance that deals with requirements for rental agreements. These rental agreements will have more restrictions and need to follow certain requirements as laid out in this new ordinance. Cook County commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 28 to pass the Residential

By Michael DeSantis On Jan.  28, the Cook County commissioners voted unanimously to pass the new Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (No. 20-3562), which goes into effect in June. This ordinance applies to residential tenancies across Cook County with limited exclusions. We will go through the ordinance in a series of blogs, with this one tackling

What can be said about evictions during the pandemic lockdowns? One thing is certain, these are unprecedented times for all and, specifically, for evictions. There are new requirements and new obstacles to overcome in pursuing an eviction on a regular basis. To say it is difficult to keep track of all the new updates would

Help With Landlord Screening Criminal History in Cook County By Michael DeSantis If you are a landlord in Cook County, be aware that there is an ordinance that went into effect concerning the way landlords are screening criminal history of potential tenants.  Now, before screening the prospective tenant’s criminal history, housing providers must first check

SECURITY DEPOSIT TIPS FOR LANDLORDS AND TENANTS By Michael DeSantis  When a tenant hands over a security deposit to their landlord, they completely expect to receive it back in full at the end of the lease agreement. However, landlords and tenants both have rights when it comes to the handling and management of the security

IS THE ILLINOIS RENT CONTROL ACT FAIR TO LANDLORDS? By Michael DeSantis This past year, a new bill was introduced in the house known as  IL SB3512,  or the Rent Control Act. If passed, the law would establish rent control boards in every county in Illinois. The bill repeals the 50 ILCS 825/1 known as

Whose Repair is It Anyway?  Illinois Law and Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities By Michael DeSantis When it comes to maintaining a rented dwelling, the tenant and landlord apartment responsibilities may not be clear. What’s a tenant to do if a landlord does not respond to a request for a repair? Or if the landlord responds

THE EVICTION PROCESS FOR LANDLORDS By Mike DeSantis  One of a landlord’s least favorite parts of the job is undoubtedly the eviction process. The process begins when a tenant violates the lease and the landlord is forced to serve an eviction notice, typically for overdue rent, non-compliance with lease rules or new occupancy beginning on

THE RIGHTS OF AN HOA…ASSESSMENT AND POSSESSION By Mike DeSantis  If you reside in a single-family residential, condominium or townhome community with a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), you are no stranger to HOA assessments. HOA assessments cover a variety of items, depending on the living community and the priorities of the HOA Board. In multi-unit dwellings

Security Deposit Law Every Chicago Landlord Should Know By Michael DeSantis Every landlord in Chicago should understand the city ordinances governing security deposit law. Security deposits are meant to protect the landlord from troublesome tenants, but many landlords don’t realize that handling security deposit incorrectly can put themselves at risk for a lawsuit with significant

How to Take an Eviction Case in Chicago to Trial By Michael DeSantis Landlords may wonder when is the right time to bring an eviction case in Chicago to trial. In the state of Illinois, landlords are required to give a 5-day eviction, 10-day eviction or 30-day notice of eviction, depending upon the situation. However,

Eviction Basics for Landlords Part III: The 30 Day Eviction Notice in Illinois (This is the third article in a three-part series for landlords about their legal obligations for 30 day eviction notices) By Michael DeSantis A 30 day eviction notice in Illinois is used by a landlord to terminate a tenant’s occupancy when they