House & Apartment resources

Learn about eviction cases and understand the legal steps for removing occupants.

Guide

Identify the legal requirements for ending leases and explore relevant legal documents.

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Get the facts on written eviction notices, including service and what happens if a housing provider accepts rent after giving a notice to a tenant.

FAQ

Evict a tenant

This Easy Form helps you make notice and eviction complaint forms to evict a tenant in Illinois.

Easy Form

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Tenants' rights and rental housing

Getting or returning a security deposit

How security deposits can be used, when they have to be returned, and how a tenant can get theirs back from their landlord.

Guide

My landlord doesn't make repairs. What should I do?

Includes repair and deduct and withholding rent.

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Common eviction defenses

A tenant can use a defense (legal reason) to ask the judge to throw out an eviction case. Some eviction defenses are listed.

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Reporting building code violations in Chicago

How to report concerns about the interior or exterior of a Chicago building, and the two types of cases that can be made against building owners.

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Mortgage foreclosure

What happens if I don't pay my property taxes?

Explore the risks of not paying property taxes on time and determine when and how property tax debt can be addressed.

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Common eviction defenses

A tenant can use a defense (legal reason) to ask the judge to throw out an eviction case. Some eviction defenses are listed.

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Respond to a mortgage foreclosure complaint

A program to help you complete the forms for an Answer and Appearance, to respond to a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint.

Easy Form

Can someone use a judicial lien to foreclose on my house?

Explains that houses are usually only foreclosed for unpaid mortgages.

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Owning a home

Owning a home common questions

Answers to common questions about owning a home, including property taxes, insurance, home repairs, and local requirements.

FAQ

Buying a home common questions

Find answers to common questions about buying property, including mortgage financing, inspections, and closing.

FAQ

Real estate fraud basics

Learn about fraud risks in Illinois property deals.

Guide

Dealing with real estate fraud

What Illinois property sellers, buyers, and owners can do when encountering suspected deed fraud (fake seller fraud), wire fraud, or earnest money check fraud.

How-To

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Fair housing

Reasons why Section 8 vouchers can be taken away

There are many reasons why your section 8 housing voucher may be taken away. This article lists why you may lose your rental assistance and potential solutions.

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Rights for renters in suburban Cook County as of June 1st, 2021

A blog post that explains the Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance. Describes the rights tenants have under the law.

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Rights of LGBTQIA+ people in Illinois

An overview of LGBTQIA+ rights in areas such as employment, housing, education, and family.

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Housing discrimination basics

Defines and describes housing discrimination and how to fight against it.

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Housing assistance and public housing

Reasons why Section 8 vouchers can be taken away

There are many reasons why your section 8 housing voucher may be taken away. This article lists why you may lose your rental assistance and potential solutions.

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Re-entry resources for prisoners and former prisoners

Resources for recently released individuals returning from prison, including organizations that offer housing, education, employment, and other services for people with criminal records.

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Ending a lease and moving with a Housing Choice Voucher

When a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) lease can end and not be renewed, how to move with a voucher, and the different rules that apply to ending a lease in Project-Based Housing.

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Housing programs for minors and people with disabilities

Information for minors and persons with disabilities about federal housing programs for independent living.

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Utilities and utility assistance

How to prevent a shut off by the utility company

Explains situations, days, and hours in which a utility company cannot shut off service including holidays.

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Common eviction defenses

A tenant can use a defense (legal reason) to ask the judge to throw out an eviction case. Some eviction defenses are listed.

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The low income household water assistance program (LIHWAP)

Learn about how low-income households can get help paying for their water and wastewater utility bills through the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).

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Legal duties of my landlord

Landlords have responsibilities for the building and units they rent.

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Homelessness

Homelessness resources basics

Learn about your housing options in Illinois if you’re homeless or at risk of losing your home. Find help with shelter, temporary housing, and programs for people with disabilities or serious health needs.

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Mobile homes

Living in a mobile home park

Explains your rights and responsibilities outlined in the Illinois mobile home regulations for mobile home park tenants.

Guide

Getting the title to your mobile home

Steps to get the title of you mobile home including the forms you need and where you should file them.

How-To

Requirements in a mobile home lease

Explains that leases within mobile home parks must be at least 2 years and be given in writing. Here's what you can expect in your agreement to live in the mobile home park.

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Eviction in a mobile home park

Explains when a park owner can evict a tenant in a mobile home park.

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Other house and apartment issues

Reasons why Section 8 vouchers can be taken away

There are many reasons why your section 8 housing voucher may be taken away. This article lists why you may lose your rental assistance and potential solutions.

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Sample Illinois lease

A sample lease for tenants and landlords that you can use to create your own version.

Form download

Can I do anything about my noisy neighbors?

Describes what you can do if you have loud neighbors.

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Who owns the tree on both my and my neighbor's property?

Understand your rights when it comes to property lines and trees between you and your neighbor.

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House & Apartment

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