Municipal Ordinance

Keep Chicago Renting Ordinance Text

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We have obtained the text of the recently introduced “Keep Chicago Renting” Ordinance that would protect a tenant’s right to remain in a rental unit after a foreclosure.  A number of aldermen and the Cook County Sheriff are in support of the proposed ordinance.  The law would effectively turn foreclosing banks into landlords.  The problems … Read more

Chicago City Council considers tenant foreclosure protection law

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It is expected that alderman will introduce the “Keep Chicago Renting Ordinance”, sponsored by 33rd Ward Alderman Dick Mel and others, this Wednesday July 25, 2012.  The law, if passed, will require lenders who foreclose on a property to allow most tenants to remain in a property until the building is resold to a new landlord.  … Read more

Chicago Life Safety requirements in effect soon

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MAJOR LANDLORD ALERT: July 16, 2012 is fast approaching! On that date, the March 14, 2012 amendments (published on April 16, 2012 and effective 90 days thereafter) for the amendments to the Chicago Life Safety ordinance requirements for larger buildings go into effect.  Life Safety Evaluations are required for buildings taller than 80 feet tall built before 1975 without sprinkler systems which are not used for “transient” uses (such as a hotels).

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Oak Park landlords beware

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crime free addendumOak Park, Illinois landlords need to be aware that the Village has its own landlord tenant regulations.  Although not at all as comprehensive as the CRLTO, the Oak Park Village Code imposes a number of obligations and requirements on landlords.  Let’s begin today with a look at Section 12-2-11 which mandates a number of lease provisions to be included in any lease or lease application. 

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North Chicago’s Landlord Licensing Law

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In mid-2010, the City of North Chicago passed a new ordinance (number 2010-75) requiring the regulation of rental buildings and the licensing of landlords within the city limits.   The new law makes it illegal for any party to rent without a landlord license.  Licenses are to cost $35 per building address per year.  Licenses expire annually on April 30 or when title to at least 50% of the real estate is transferred.  While the North Chicago law is not as expansive as the laws in Chicago and Evanston, the municipality now joins the ranks of the small number of municipalities who regulate local residential rental activities.

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Snow Removal in Chicago and Illinois

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snow shoveling lawLaws about Landlord and tenant responsibility to shovel snow

Snowmageddon 2011.  What’s a landlord to do?  Well, that depends on where the landlord’s property is located.  The Chicago Sun Times ran a story reminding property owners about the obligation to shovel snow on their sidewalks within the City of Chicago.  My friend Tim Tomasik from the Clifford Law Offices was even quoted in the story advising folks to shovel.

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