Chicago #1 for Bedbugs Third Year in a Row

Those bebbugs must be doing something right! The mayor will not be happy.  And maybe we have the start of a narrative about how legislation cannot fix all that ails us.  For the third year in a row, Chicago tops the charts in bedbugs.  Orkin has issued its annual “worst bedbug cities” list.  Despite passage … Read more

Chicago #1 for Bedbugs… again

Orkin bedbug list puts Chicago on the bottom! The list published by Orkin Pest Control for the worst bedbug-infested cities again cited the City of Chicago as the number one location for bedbugs.  Chicago beat out Los Angeles; Columbus, Ohio; and Detroit to hold its grip on the top ranking for the second year in … Read more

Residential tenants have responsibilities under new Chicago Bedbug Ordinance

chibb4The bedbug fun is not limited exclusively to the landlords.  Chicago tenants are also subject to the provisions of the ordinance.  Based on what is believed to be the text of the ordinance, Section 5-12-040 of the CRLTO has been amended to indicate that:

Every tenant must:
(a) comply with all obligations imposed specifically upon tenants by provisions of the municipal code applicable to dwelling units, including section 7-28-850; (new verbiage in bold)

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New law says Chicago landlords must exterminate bedbugs

chibb3Prior to the enactment of the new Chicago bed bug ordinance, landlords were really only “obligated” to exterminate bedbugs when there were two or more units infested.  Now, the City leaves no doubt (although we are still awaiting the final published version of the ordinance).  The responsibility falls squarely on the landlord in cases where bedbugs are found or are suspected!  The new provisions are found in Section 7 of the Municipal Code of Chicago (Section 7-28-810 to 900).  And the penalties can be touch.  The City can fine a landlord between $300 to $1000 per day for violations of the ordinance!  Specifically, Section 7-28-830 (based upon the version of the ordinance that we have seen) requires that:

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CRLTO Amended – New section 5-12-101 imposes new bedbug education requirements

As part of the recently passed ordinance to address bedbugs in Chicago, the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance was amended to add a new disclosure requirement for landlords.  Brand new section 5-12-101 (this is based on the proposed ordinance – we are still awaiting a copy of the officially published ordinance) institutes yet another … Read more