Chicago Landlord and Tenant Ordinance

Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance defines the rights and obligations of both landlord and tenant in a residential lease. The ordinance covers issues such as security deposits, maintenance, subleases and evictions. It applies to both written and oral leases, and to subsidized housing regulated by the Chicago Housing Authority, Illinois Housing Department Authority and Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers.

The Ordinance does not cover:

• Residential units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units
• Hotels, motels and rooming houses, unless rent is paid on a monthly basis and the unit is occupied for more than 32 days
• School dormitory rooms
• Shelters
• Employees’ quarters
• Non-residential rental properties
• Owner-occupied cooperatives and condominiums

Although oral leases are considered valid in Chicago, it is in tenants' best interest to obtain a written lease. Written leases are crucial in court disputes over lease terms. Beware of landlords who refuse to enter into a written lease.

In addition, keep in mind that the Ordinance does not apply to you if you are:

• Living in a commercial or industrial space that is not zoned for residential use; and/or
• Have a commercial or industrial lease.

TIP: Always demand a written lease!