How many people can live here?Can a Chicago landlord put a cap or a limit on the number of renters who can occupy a rental apartment? Maybe… but, if not done right, a landlord could be jumping straight into hot water. Generally, a landlord can set an occupancy limit, however, the landlord’s occupancy policy must be carefully crafted so that it does not violate any fair housing laws.
Tips for Illinois LandlordsThis week, I will be focusing on issues related to “moving” in the rental world. Here’s the first in a series of posts helping landlords deal with move-in and move-out. As my readers may be aware, I am of the belief that by the time most landlord-tenant matters reach me or any real estate attorney, most of the damage is already done. Landlords can improve their odds for success in their rental business by instituting policies and procedures that keep landlord-tenant problems out of their lawyers’ hands. One area where landlords can cut off a problem at the pass in in the area of move-in and move-out. Here are a few simple tips that can ease the way.
Back in 1986, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi re-instituted a decade old claim that the Gulf of Sidra was part of Libyan territory. He claimed that if Americans crossed the “Line of Death” from the Mediterranean Sea into the gulf, they would be destroyed. In the ensuing months, America crossed the line again and again to Libya’s extreme detriment. Landlords can take an important lesson about dealing with tenants from General Gadhafi’s failed handling of the situation.
Fresh off a stop at Dream Town Realty yesterday, I will be presenting a seminar on the ins and outs of leases, tenants, landlords and best practices for leasing transactions to the agents of Coldwell Banker at their Belmont Avenue office on January 24, 2013. I will focus on the essentials of complying with the … Read more
It is, of course, impossible to know an exact time for Cook County eviction enforcement, but my experience is that there is only a short delay right now. My best guess as to the current timing from placement of an order with the Shriff to eviction is just about 5-6 weeks. This is quite good … Read more
If we outlaw guns, then only outlaws will have guns. I’d rather have outlaws holding the guns instead of tenants! (This is not a post about gun control!) Well, the news wires are blowing up (pun intended) tonight over the story of a south shore gentleman who drew an AK-47 assault rifle on his landlord. Apparently, the landlord had gone to see the tenant to discuss the tenant’s impending eviction. NBC news reported that the tenant allegedly had a stockpile of ammunition in the house. Luckily, no one was hurt and the tenant was arrested and charged with felony assault.
It has been awhile, but I will be presenting my seminar “Real Estate Agents and Leasing Issues in Chicago or Most of What Every Real Estate Agent Needs to Know to Make a Lease” to the agents of @properties at their Ohio Street office on January 29, 2013. The seminar is a great introduction to … Read more
I recently received a question from a reader of this blog about the acceptance of rent after the expiration of a five day notice outside of Chicago. The question was as follows:
I accepted full payment after the five days. Did i waive my right to sue for possession? My unit is in Elmwood Park. – David
I have discussed roommate, guest, and family member evictions in the past, however, based on the number of recent questions I receive about Illinois evictions of family members and close relatives, I thought a refresher might be in order.
Does the Cook County Sheriff evict on weekends? No. When do Cook County evictions take place? Weekdays between 8am and 2pm. Evictions are scheduled on the Sheriff’s website based on Sheriff’s receipt number and district number. Landlords typically find out about an eviction about 1-2 business days in advance.