County Votes to End Discrimination
May 9, 2013 – 8:11 am | No Comment

On May 8, 2013 the Cook County Board of Commissioners, in a landmark vote to end discriminatory housing practices throughout Suburban Cook County, voted to pass the Source of Income Amendment to the Cook County …

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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

CHA Tenants Handbook

CHA Participant Reference Guide

Find Your Landlord’s Contact Information

Landlord’s Name
First, you must find out the Property Identification Number (PIN) of your building. Online, you can try www.newschicago.org. If the website is down or it is not finding your building, you can call the …

Tenant Responsibilities – FAQ

NOTE: If your landlord lives in your building, see the “Exceptions” note on the right side of this page.
As a tenant, what am I required to do?
* Throw out your trash in a clean …

Renting & Credit Reports

Credit reports contain “information” about where you live and work and your bill paying habits; it may also state whether there has been an eviction or arrest. Landlords have the right to charge for credit …

Moving Out – 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. …

Moving In – FAQ

NOTE: If your landlord lives in your building, see the “Exceptions” note on the right side of this page.
Does my landlord have to give me him/her or anyone else’s name, address and telephone number …

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 …

Unlawful Landlord Entry – Sample Letter

This letter applies to residents within the city of Chicago only who are covered under the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Please see the Exceptions to the RLTO to ensure the law applies to you.
For …

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 Electrical code requires that a tenant have access to their fuse box.   If the tenant cannot get to their fuse box, the …