Guides by Tags: Renting

Sexual Harassment and Housing

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

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...

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...

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...

Apartment Conditions and Repairs (City of Chicago)

What is my landlord responsible for?
Your landlord has a duty to keep your apartment in good shape and make all necessary repairs. If she fails to...

Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence

The Illinois Safe Homes Act
 
The purpose of the Safe Homes Act is to enable victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating...

Fair Housing and the Hearing Impaired

The disability provisions of the Fair Housing Act, as many as local and state laws, make it illegal for landlords, sellers, real estate agents, insurers, or lenders to...

Finding an Apartment Online

There are a number of website that you can visit to search for an apartment online. Before visiting any of them, we encourage you to use our...

How to Negotiate an Apartment Lease

When you rent an apartment - even if it's for a short period of time - having a lease is incredibly important. The lease, a written contract between a renter and a...

Security Deposits and Subletting (City of Chicago)

These frequently asked questions set forth your rights under Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, a set of local laws that provides you...