Category: More headlines

The City of Chicago has launched a new web tool that we support and encourage residents to utilize.  All building inspections, detailed with the inspector’s notes, are organized by case and available for the public to view by entering the address of the building.  Code violations date back to 1999 and are updated regularly.

To find out the history of building code violations at any address, click here.  You can also find the link on the right-hand side of our website by clicking on the official Chicago seal.

Learn more: Chicago Municipal Code

Call our hotline at 773-292-4988 1-5 pm Monday-Friday to speak with a counselor about your rights when building codes are violated.

The cease and desist order issued by the City of Harvey was a huge wake-up call to tenants on 154^th street that they were about to lose their homes.  The tenants with the help of MTO began to organize. Their efforts led, not only to the order being rescinded, but to a meeting with city officials and a campaign to preserve their housing and improve their living conditions.

With the evictions stopped, the tenants association focused on the gross building code violations and problematic housing conditions affecting all of them. The building was in bad condition.  Tenants complained about bedbugs, roaches, mice, systemic plumbing issues, an uneven porch and stairs, evidence of mold on walls and ceilings and wide-ranging apartment repair issues. After a month of meetings in the parking lot, MTO and tenant leaders engaged the City of Harvey public officials to find innovative ways to address this housing situation. After several strategy sessions between tenants and public officials – the group determined that it was time to meet with the owner and property manager to discuss solutions.

The meeting took place in late August. Prior to this meeting, building maintenance had become nonexistent. Conditions had deteriorated to such a degree the building was becoming dangerous and uninhabitable leaving it vulnerable to being condemned. During several hours of negotiations between MTO, tenants, City of Harvey public officials and the landlord; an agreement was reached.  The agreement includes bringing out certified contractors to make an assessment and conduct inspections of units to gain a better idea of the overall repair and pest issues. The owner also agreed to waive all past due rent tenants had withheld for poor conditions. A timeline and a signed agreement were developed as a means to hold each side accountable. This represents a significant win for these renters and has been a strong first step into working in the county for MTO.

The tenants understand that the fight is not over.  Now the tenants know they have power and understand the importance of organizing and building collaborations to address their housing concerns.  They are confident that their hard work will pay off.   The victory has raised tenants’ hopes and their self-respect.

On Tuesday, October 11th, public housing residents attended a city council hearing to oppose the proposed budget cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  If the proposed cuts are implemented, Chicago will lose an additional $28 million in 2012, after already losing $25.8 million in 2011.  Thousands of units will be lost, while 68,000 families and seniors sit on CHA’s waiting list.  Community Development Block Grants would be cut 12.3% compared to levels in 2010, a loss of $11 million in needed funding for homeless services, youth programs, violence prevention, and health clinics.   For these devastating reasons, tenants testified against the cuts and their message was heard loud and clear.  If the proposed cuts occur, essential services for those who need it most will be lost, the disparity of wealth will continue to grow, and housing conditions as well as stability will worsen.  Thank you to everyone in attendance for coming out and showing your support for continued funding.

An article by the Chicago Reporter, “Next on the chopping block: $73 million in federal public housing money.”

Attention all renters!  The 8th Annual Rental Housing Expo will be held Saturday, October 22 10 a.m.-2 p.m at Arturo Velasquez West Side Tech–2800 S. Western Ave.  Admission is FREE!  This is a great opportunity to learn about landlord and renters’ rights and responsibilities.  Throughout the day there will be workshops, counseling and vendors available for resources on conflict resolution and referrals to needed programs, services and training.  Knowing your rights is essential for a good, working landlord-tenant relationship.  We hope to see you there!

For more info visit: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd.html