Several comments: I am guessing that you live in Chicago so will provide you with the laws relevant to that. It sounds like there are a lot of problems. Who is the owner of management company? A first step is to document the problems with pictures and make sure that the landlord has a copy of the photos and list of repairs. The Chicago law allows tenants to make repairs and deduct the cost from the rent. Issues like windows that do lock can be repaired in this way. Plumbing can also possibly be repaired in this manner. The law allows tenants to deduct the greater of $500 or 1/2 months rent to make repairs after giving the landlord 14 days to make repairs. Secondly, tenants can call 311 and request an inspection. If you call your alderman they may be able to speed the process up as it often times takes the City at least 30 days to respond to a complaint. If the landlord continues to try and lock you out please call our hotline 773-393-4988. Lastly, MTO is supporting a proposal to require that all rental units be inspected on a regular basis. Inspections would catch problem landlords like yours. Please call your alderman and let them know you support a proactive inspection program.
Several comments: I am guessing that you live in Chicago so will provide you with the laws relevant to that. It sounds like there are a lot of problems. Who is the owner of management company? A first step is to document the problems with pictures and make sure that the landlord has a copy of the photos and list of repairs. The Chicago law allows tenants to make repairs and deduct the cost from the rent. Issues like windows that do lock can be repaired in this way. Plumbing can also possibly be repaired in this manner. The law allows tenants to deduct the greater of $500 or 1/2 months rent to make repairs after giving the landlord 14 days to make repairs. Secondly, tenants can call 311 and request an inspection. If you call your alderman they may be able to speed the process up as it often times takes the City at least 30 days to respond to a complaint. If the landlord continues to try and lock you out please call our hotline 773-393-4988. Lastly, MTO is supporting a proposal to require that all rental units be inspected on a regular basis. Inspections would catch problem landlords like yours. Please call your alderman and let them know you support a proactive inspection program.