Guides are step-by-step or question-and-answer instructions on a wide variety of housing-related topics. You can browse Guides through the list below, by clicking on the Timeline or Keyword links to the right, or by searching in the box above. Don't see a guide on a topic you're searching for? Let us know and we'll start writing one.

How a Landlord Can Participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Suburban Cook County)

The Section 8 Rental Voucher Program (now called Housing Choice Voucher) increases affordable housing choices for very low-income households by allowing families to choose...
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Online Housing Discrimination

As more and more people use the Internet to find rental housing, purchase a home or condo, or acquire a home loan or homeowners' insurance, it is important to remember that...
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Sexual Harassment and Housing

Sexual Harassment 
If your landlord is making unwanted sexual advances that are severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating,...

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Leases and Subleases (City of Chicago)

Does every tenant have a lease agreement?
Yes. It may be a written lease or an oral (unwritten) lease.

What is the advantage of a...

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Choosing a Reputable Mover

Get a written estimate from several movers.
The estimate should be based on an actual inspection of your household goods.

Make...

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Lockouts (City of Chicago)

What is a lock-out?
Its an attempt to force you out of your apartment by:

  • Changing or plugging the locks on any of your doors;
  • ...
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Moving In: Your Rights (City of Chicago)


Does my landlord have to give me him/her or anyone else's name, address and telephone number when I move into the apartment?
Yes. Your landlord...

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Building Security and Locks (City of Chicago)

What kinds of locks must be on the front and rear doors of my building?
The front and rear entrance doors to the building should each have a...

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Tenant Responsibilities (City of Chicago)

As a tenant, what am I required to do?

  • Throw out your trash in a clean and safe manner;
  • Use all fixtures (such as lights and ceiling...
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Heat and Other Essential Services for Renters (City of Chicago)

What are essential services?
Heat, running water, hot water, electricity, gas,and plumbing.

Who is responsible for paying for...

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