05/28/2016
A change is coming into effect starting June 1, 2016 for Landlords that rent in Chicago and are subject to the provisions of the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance. The summary that is required to be provided under the RLTO was modified in March 2016 with an effective date of June 1, 2016. The change is not significant in terms of the law as it is adding language about bed bugs and bed bug education. However, the effect of non-compliance with attaching the summary remains the same. If you fail to attach the updated summary to new leases after June 1st, a landlord is subject to liability under the ordinance. While the penalty for a violation is a $100.00, the landlord is responsible for the payment of the attorneys' fees of their tenant as well as court costs. The attorneys' fees can run into thousands of dollars for non-compliance and court costs for filing and service exceed $400.00. This does not include Landlords' attorneys' fees or costs. Additionally, the tenant will still be able to terminate a lease that is not compliant with the ordinance without being in breach of contract. It is important for landlords, management companies, Realtors and tenants to be aware of this issue. I am expecting to see this issue come up quite a bit as landlords become aware of the change only after unknowingly violating the ordinance. You can view a copy of the ordinance at the City of Chicago website or by using the link below. http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/dcd/general/housing/RTLOEnglish.pdf
