Support for Evictions & Lease Disagreements
Evictions & disagreements over leases can be overwhelming. The real estate lawyers at Koch & Associates specialize in tenant law by advocating for your interests, whether you are a landlord executing an eviction or a tenant challenging one. We strive to balance the scales, ensuring that both parties’ rights are upheld and that resolutions are found that minimize the impact on all involved.
Tenant’s Rights & Responsibilities
- Request a written lease to avoid future misunderstandings with your landlord.
- You must pay your rent on time.
- Keep the rental unit clean & undamaged.
- Responsible for any damages beyond normal wear & tear.
- Pay the utility bill if the lease makes you responsible.
- Do not alter the rental unit without your landlord’s approval.
- Give a written notice when you intend to move, so you don’t lose your security deposit. T
- The Illinois Retaliatory Eviction Act prohibits your landlord from evicting you for complaining to any governmental authority.
Landlord’s Rights & Responsibilities
- Keep the rental unit fit to live in.
- Make all necessary repairs.
- Keep the rental unit in compliance with state & local health and housing codes.
- Set the amount of rent & security deposit.
- Can charge a reasonable fee for late rent payments.
- Make reasonable rules & regulations.
Security Deposits and Evictions
A landlord can require you to pay a security deposit that may be used to cover unpaid rent, repair damages to the unit and clean the unit after you move. The amount of the security deposit is normally equal to one month’s rent; however, there is no legal limit on the amount your landlord can require.
Interest on Your Security Deposit
State law requires your landlord to pay you interest on your security deposit if it is held for at least 6 months and there are at least 25 units in your building or complex. Your landlord must pay you the interest or apply the interest as a credit to your rent every 12 months. You may sue your landlord for willfully failing to pay interest and recover an amount equal to your security deposit, court costs & attorney’s fees.
Return of Your Security Deposit
The Illinois Security Deposit Return Act requires your landlord to return your security deposit in full within 45 days of the date you moved, if:
- The building or complex consists of five or more units.
- You do not owe any back rent.
- Have not damaged the rental unit.
- Cleaned the rental unit before you moved out.
If your landlord refuses to return all or any portion of your security deposit, they must give you an itemized statement of the damages along with paid receipts within 30 days of the date you moved. You can sue your landlord to recover your security deposit. If a court finds that your landlord violated the security deposit law, they could be liable for damages in an amount equal to 2X your security deposit, court costs & attorney’s fees.
Schedule Your Free Consultation for Eviction Assistance Now
If you are having landlord-tenant issues, then contact Koch & Associates today to schedule a free consultation. You can do so online or by calling us at (708) 656-9900. Don’t let legal complications dissuade you from standing up for your rights. Reach out ot us today so we can help you solve your eviction woes as quickly and favorably as possible.
