House & Apartment

Note: In an emergency, such as an active fire, call 911 first. First responders are trained to save lives and limit damage.

Illinois housing providers must maintain safe and livable conditions. People who allow someone else to live in their property must:

• Deal with emergency property issues right away (learn more in Lockouts and emergency rental repairs)
• Make necessary repairs (learn more in Rental repair rights and landlord access), and
• Address pest control issues (read about Dealing with pests in rental housing).

Trying to force a person out by changing locks, turning off utilities, or creating an unsafe or unlivable environment is illegal. The Landlord Retaliation Act also prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who raise concerns about building issues or seek help with problems.

Learn how to:

• Request rental repairs, and
• Write a Rental repair letter.

Repair problems can escalate quickly to lockouts, eviction, and retaliation claims. Talk to a lawyer Someone who represents clients in courts or who gives legal advice for help if problems are not solved promptly. Use Get Legal Help to find local legal resources or contact:

• Eviction Help Illinois statewide, or
• Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt in Cook County.