Guides
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 privately owned rental housing. More than 1.4 million households in the United States are assisted in paying their rent through these vouchers, including 41,000 in the Chicago area.
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 the fair housing laws apply to both print advertisements and offers found on-line. Federal, state, county, and local fair housing laws can sometimes be confusing - many wonder what kinds of properties are exempt, who should they call when they feel discriminated against, and exactly what kinds of behavior are prohibited?
Sexual Harassment and Housing
Sexual Harassment
If your
landlord is making unwanted sexual advances that are severe or
pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or abusive housing
environment, then he is guilty of creating an hostile environment and
is in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. Similarly, if your
landlord asks you to trade sexual favors for a reduced rent or other
benefits, or if your landlord evicts you because you refused to have
sex with him/her, then he is guilty of sexual harassment.
Retaliation
If
your landlord evicts you because you reported sexual harassment, or any
other form of discrimination, then they are in violation of the law.
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 written lease agreement?
It
sets out the terms of your agreement with the landlord. Furthermore, it
states how long your tenancy will last, and your landlord cannot
terminate this tenancy early unless you violate one of the lease
provisions.
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 sure the mover has insurance and is licensed by the proper authority.
For moves from one State to
another, a U.S. DOT number is issued by FMCSA. You can double-check a mover's license on www.protectyourmove.gov. For moves within a State, requirements vary. Check with your State, county or local consumer affairs agency or your State attorney general.
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;
- Blocking an entrance to your apartment;
- Removing one of your apartment doors or windows;
- Shutting off any of your utility services; or
- Removing your personal property from the apartment.
Lock-outs are against the law, and your landlord can be arrested and fined for locking you out of your apartment.
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 must give you the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the:
- Owner or manager of the building; and
- Person who can receive, on your landlord's behalf, your notices and demands.
Must I have a written lease agreement?
No. You and your landlord
may, if you want,enter into an oral lease agreement. If you have an
oral agreement and pay rent on a monthly basis, you have a
month-to-month tenancy which either you or your landlord can terminate
with at least one month written notice. For more information, see the Leases and Subleases Guide.
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
DEADLOCKING LATCH, which automatically locks when you shut the door.
From the outside, it can be opened only with a key. From the inside, it
can be opened merely by turning a knob or handle.
If my building has a vestibule or lobby, with an outside door and an inside door, must they both have a deadlocking latch?
No. Only one of these doors must have this latch.
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 fans) and appliances in a reasonable and safe manner;
- Don’t damage the apartment;
- Don’t disturb your neighbors;
- Make sure your family members and guests act appropriately;
- Provide your landlord with reasonable access to your unit (see below); and
- Obey all the lawful provisions of your lease agreement.
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 these services?
That depends upon the terms of your lease agreement.
What if I'm responsible for the cost of heating my apartment?
Your
landlord must give you a written statement setting forth the projected
average monthly cost of heating your unit. (Your landlord must do this
even if your tenancy is not governed by Chicago's Residential Landlord
and Tenant Ordinance).
