State of the Renter in the City of Chicago
September 1, 2010 – 1:25 pm | No Comment

The Hotline has served as MTO’s eyes and ears into the lives of renters. Since its inception in 1994, the MTO Hotline has fielded more than 150,000 calls, carefully collecting information and tracking data on …

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Evictions & Foreclosures

guides about evictions, foreclosures, and moving out

Healthy Homes

guides about health hazards in your home or apartment

Subsidized Housing

guides related to public housing, Section 8, HUD, and other subsidized housing

Landlord & Tenant FAQ

guides about heat, locks, apartment conditions, and other landlord tenant responsibilities

Leases & Security Deposits

starting and ending the rental agreement, security deposits

Lockouts – FAQ

NOTE: If your landlord lives in your building, see the “Exceptions” note on the right side of this page.
Lockouts from rental any unit are illegal in the City of Chicago.
What is a lock-out?
Its …

Building Security, Locks, & the Law – FAQ Building Security, Locks, & the Law – FAQ

NOTE: If your landlord lives in your building, see the “Exceptions” note on the right side of this page.
What kinds of locks must be on the front and rear doors of my building?
The front …

Common Utility Problems

Tenants Without Access to Fuse Box
In buildings over four units, the Chicago Building code requires that a tenant have access to their fuse box.   If the tenant cannot get to their fuse box, the …

Heat & Other Essential Services – Sample Letter

24 Hour Heat & Essential Services

Heat & Other Essential Services – FAQ Heat & Other Essential Services – FAQ

NOTE: If your landlord lives in your building, see the “Exceptions” note on the right side of this page.
What are essential services?
Heat, running water, hot water, electricity, gas,and plumbing.
Who is responsible …

Security Deposit Return – Sample Letter

Sample Letter for Security Deposit

Security Deposits – Interest Rates

Interest Rates for leases begun in the following years:
2009 0.12%
2008 1.26%
2007 1.68%
2006 1.71 %
2005 1.01%
2004 0.42%
2003 0.52%
2002 0.83%
2001 3.10%
2000 2.71%
1999 2.63%
1998 3.38%
1997 3.42%
1987-7/1/1997 5.00%
[Note: These are the interest rates for the city of Chicago only]
To …

Security Deposits – FAQ

NOTE: If your landlord lives in your building, see the “Exceptions” note on the right side of this page.
Do I have to tell my landlord I am moving if I have a written lease?
No. Your …

Evictions – FAQ

NOTE: If your landlord lives in your building, see the “Exceptions” note on the right side of this page.
What must my landlord do if he/she wants to have me evicted?
She must file a lawsuit …