rental payment rights q&A
IS THERE A MAXIMUM RENT A LANDLORD CAN CHARGE ME?
No, in Illinois there are no price caps on rented apartments or homes. Prices may vary depending on the size of the apartment, the neighborhood it’s in, the price of homes around it, and other factors.
DO I HAVE TO PAY A FEE IF MY RENT IS LATE?
Yes, in your lease your landlord should include the last day that rent is due each month. If you pay after that day, they can charge you a late fee of $10 per month; if the amount you owe is over $500, they can also add a 5% late fee each month.
Things in my apartment are breaking down. I tried to get help from my landlord, but they won’t answer me. AM I ALLOWED TO WITHHOLD RENT?
If there is an issue with an essential service at your apartment (for example – water, heating, etc.) you are allowed to withhold rent in order to demand that your landlord fix the issue. The Chicago Heat Ordinance requires landlords to keep rental apartments above a certain temperature during the winter (68 during the day and 66 at night). Check out the Chicago Heat Ordinance for more information on what to do if your landlord isn’t keeping your place warm enough.
WHAT IF EXPENSIVE REPAIRS NEED TO HAPPEN? CAN IT COME OUT OF MY RENT?
Yes, but the cost of repairs must not exceed one-half of the rent or $500 which ever is less. Keep in mind, after 14 days of letting your landlord know by certified mail that a repair that you agreed the landlord would be responsible for in your lease is needed, you are allowed to hire a repair person yourself . You can then deduct the cost of the repairs from your rent not exceeding the lesser of $500 or half of your rental cost. You must be prepared to justify the cost and provide proof to your landlord. For more information on deducting repair costs or if the State of Illinois repair laws apply to your housing unit, check out what Illinois Legal Aid Online recommends.