Comments on: Chicago Space / Occupancy Requirements

By: John Bartlett

John Bartlett — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:43:02 +0000

You may want to get the opinion of an attorney. The way that I read the law is that for one person there must be at least 125 in the unit. For 2 people there must be at 250 square feet.

By: Don Jacobson

Don Jacobson — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:56:21 +0000

The tenancy square footage is confusing…the chart says “per person” so if that is correct, one person can live in 125 square feet, but 2 people have to have at least 500?

By: John Bartlett

John Bartlett — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:05:13 +0000

Here is a link to the space occupancy laws in Chicago http://www.tenants-rights.org/chicago-space-occupancy-requirements/.
As for being held responsible, were you a lease holder? Did you inform the owner that you were leaving? In writing?

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 04 May 2011 02:00:56 +0000

What is the law for having more than 10 people in a building. I was staying in a 2 flat apartment with a basement and there were about 16 people living there. I eventually moved out of the apartment due to rats and cleanliness, but now the landlord is evicting the tenants for backed rent. And I am afraid that I am going to be held responsible for some of the rent.

By: John Bartlett

John Bartlett — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:32:07 +0000

There are many reasons that a landlord can have for not renting to a person or a family. When you say that you feel that they are not ideal for the current living situation it raises concerns. It seems that you are saying or assuming that a family with children will be too noisy. Two college students might make too much noise or an older person who is hard of hearing may make too much noise. We have had many complaints from tenants who live below noisy tenants or sometimes owners. A better way to determine if someone will be a noisy neighbor is to find out from previous landlords or neighbors. Certainly no one wants to rent to a noisy neighbor. I would suggest that you speak with an attorney to make sure that you would not be violating any discrimination laws.

By: Julie

Julie — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:44:21 +0000

Here is my problem… There is a family of 7 (2 adults & 5 children) wanting to rent my 2 bedroom apartment. I am care giver for my mom that has Alzheimer’s and feel that having 5 children living above our heads would create a rather stressful situation.
Do landlords have a right to not rent to some one they feel is not ideal for the current living situation in their building?

By: John Bartlett

John Bartlett — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:49:26 +0000

I have not seen a definition for single family. I do not know where to find the answer if there is a definitive answer somewhere.

By: Travis

Travis — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:54:18 +0000

Hi! Please Help! Where can I find the social construct for a “single-family” in chicago. According to bylaws, my condo unit is to be “single family” however, I would like to know exactly what the city defines this as? I called and spoke to someone at the city and they said it was up to 4 unrelated people could be still considered a single family. Can you please clarify if this is correct? Also, where would I be able to find this answer? Thanks for your help!

By: John Bartlett

John Bartlett — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:55:49 +0000

Noise is a particularly difficult situation to deal with. Have you visited with the neighbors above and told them about the problem and looked for ways to ameliorate the problem. The condo association may have rights to evict the renters particularly if the owner is not paying their assessments. I am not familiar with condo laws. Are other units in the building experiencing similar problems. If so you might talk with them and look for a way to pressure the condo association to take more aggressive action. Another thing to be aware of is that it is illegal to discriminate against families with children.

By: Dale R. Johnson

Dale R. Johnson — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:51:52 +0000

My neighbors directly above me have three very noisy small children in a one bedroom apartment. This is a condo building where many of the condos are being rented. My neighbors are renting. We have complained about the noise (that will occur as late as 2am) but the condo manager says that that unit’s owner is experiencing financial difficulties which translate that he is not paying his assessments and/or mortgage. It seems that management is having problems contacting him. Is there anything we can do. We have downsized after the last of our kids has gone away to college. We just want peace. Thanks