Get free answers to your Landlord - Tenant legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I've been living in my parent's home for 22 years and provided unpaid care for my father, who had chronic COPD, cancer, and other health issues, for 13 years. I was added to two joint bank accounts with him to manage finances and paid property taxes, home insurance, and maintenance costs.... View More 
answered on May 5, 2025
You must be careful not to mix or confuse your care for an aging parent with your rights to property under a will or trust. Carefully review your parent's last wishes, as reflected in the signed estate documents, and abide by the final wishes of your father under his codicil or other governing... View More
I'm 17 years old and planning to leave my parents' house soon. I bought a used car with my money, but it's registered under my dad's name. My brother witnessed me paying for it, and I'm listed as a driver on my dad's insurance policy, although he refuses to transfer... View More
answered on May 1, 2025
You cannot have the title in your name alone unless you are 18. You were a minor when the car was purchased. It does not matter who paid for it. If your dad's name is on the title, he will want the car to be insured. You cannot take the car without your father's permission.
I have been living in a rental property in Kane County, Illinois, for almost three years, and I am current on my rent payments. Recently, my landlord forced me out of the property and moved my belongings to storage without providing any written communication or an eviction notice. Is it legal for... View More
answered on Mar 4, 2025
Eviction without notice is not legal in Illinois, although the type of notice may vary ion such a way that you were not aware of it. If you had abandoned the property, for example, notice can be provided by posting a notice on the property and be effective regardless of whether you have seen it.... View More
The landlord has not provided me with any receipts or estimates. Upon reminding her that its been 45 days she says i owe her money instead and refused to give back security deposit. What do i do?
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answered on Jun 21, 2024
Based on the information provided, it appears you're dealing with a potential violation of Illinois landlord-tenant law regarding security deposits. Here's what you should know and consider doing:
1. Illinois Law:
In Chicago, landlords are required to return security... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
If your roommate left and your name isn't on the lease, your situation can be a bit complicated. Generally, if you're not an official tenant—meaning your name isn't on the lease agreement—you don't have the same rights as someone who is. This could mean that you may need to... View More
Failed to fix heat pump, roof is missing a shingle after storm, has tires stacked in yard, window unit has ruined wood siding, built a pallet fence connected to porch, removed spindles from railing to put a board as a ramp for animals without permission, and who knows what inside the house will not... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
I apologize that you're dealing with a difficult situation with your contract for deed purchaser. However, I want to be very careful about providing advice, as the legal process for addressing breaches and pursuing eviction or foreclosure can be complex and varies by jurisdiction. The best... View More
My rental property needs about $20k worth of work to get it sales ready. I want to do everything possible to not displace the family who are renting, so I intend to offer them $20k at closing for them to use toward a down payment. Is this transaction legal in the state of Illinois?
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answered on Apr 1, 2024
It is generally legal in Illinois for a landlord to offer a tenant financial assistance toward the purchase of the home they are currently renting. This type of transaction is sometimes referred to as a "lease-to-own" or "rent-to-own" agreement.
However, there are a few... View More
I'm in Christian county, Illinois. I have went to every authority you can imagine all the way to the mayor and cannot get anybody to help me. The circuit clerk's office won't even tell me what papers I need to file the complaint
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answered on Mar 31, 2024
In your situation, it's crucial to understand your rights as a tenant, which include access to essential services like water. Your landlord's actions may violate state and local housing laws. Seeking legal advice is advisable, as a lawyer with experience in tenant rights can guide you... View More
I believe the property management at my apartment building disabled the smoke detector in my unit remotely from the fire alarm control panel in order to create a false pretense to enter my unit at 11:30 pm. There is more backstory here, and more details as to why I believe they did this, but... View More
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answered on Mar 31, 2024
This is a serious situation that involves potential harassment and fire code violations. Here are some thoughts on your questions:
1. Harassment and legal action: If the landlord disabled your smoke detector under false pretenses to gain unauthorized entry, it could be considered harassment... View More
I believe the property management at my apartment building disabled the smoke detector in my unit remotely from the fire alarm control panel in order to create a false pretense to enter my unit at 11:30 pm. There is more backstory here, and more details as to why I believe they did this, but... View More
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answered on Mar 31, 2024
Based on the information you've provided, it does seem like the property management's actions could be considered harassment, especially if they entered your unit without proper notice or justification. However, before taking any legal action, it's essential to gather as much... View More
I recently purchased a home in a subdivision that the HOA had expired within the month. 11 months later we receive a letter requesting funds for the HOA. We have contacted the sender to inquire. The responce was that the reinstatement is being worked on by an attorney. Our concern is that this... View More
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answered on Mar 31, 2024
If the HOA has expired and is attempting to collect fees without properly notifying residents about the current status and reinstatement process, you may have the following options for recourse:
1. Request documentation: Ask the sender for official documentation proving that the HOA is... View More
Hello we are a family living in south holland. We are being continuously harasser by assistants our landlord hired to manage for him. It started with them waiting out in the cold around the corner for us to return from grocery shopping and ambushing my mother outside with a paper informing of new... View More
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answered on Mar 30, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're facing with your landlord's management. Dealing with harassment and unjust eviction attempts can be very stressful, especially when it disrupts your family's peace and security. It's important to remember that you have... View More
An acquaintance has offered for me to stay at his business while I also work for him. There is a room that’s been my place of dwelling for the past couple of months. He gave me an opportunity to stay there instead of doing hotels everyday because it’s closer for me from the workplace and to... View More
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answered on Mar 18, 2024
Living in a commercial space can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to privacy. It's important to know that regardless of the legality of your living situation, your right to a reasonable expectation of privacy in areas considered private, such as a living space or bedroom,... View More
The landlord refused to give me my security deposit back because they say it “stays with the property”. My abusive ex has decided to stay there. I wanted to move for safety reasons. I was the one who solely placed the deposit before we moved in. That’s my money. Why couldn’t they refund my... View More
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answered on Mar 6, 2024
In situations involving domestic violence, some jurisdictions have laws that provide specific protections for victims, including matters related to housing and security deposits. If you had to move out for safety reasons due to domestic violence, there might be legal provisions that allow you to... View More
There is a someone who rented with us but blocked our contact after not fully moving out to avoid payment.
This person is in the army but we do not know the base contact. What would be the best way to approach getting
the money back? I'm not sure if going straight to small... View More
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answered on Feb 25, 2024
In Illinois, if a roommate in the military has left without paying rent and left their belongings behind, one of the first steps you can take is to send a formal demand letter for the unpaid rent. This letter should detail the amount owed, the agreement under which it is owed, and a deadline for... View More
I have been living here for the past four years and recently fell behind on rent, and my landlord wants me to move out and I agreed to move out and I am just packing up my things slowly, but still live in the unit. I went outside at 3:30 AM and realized that my car was towed, is it legal for him to... View More
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answered on Jan 12, 2024
In Illinois, landlords generally do not have the legal authority to tow a tenant's car directly without following proper legal procedures. Evictions and related actions must be conducted through the court system. If you're behind on rent and your landlord wants you to move out, they... View More
She has costed me loads of money by doing that, holding everything hostage, even costing me money I could be earning right now as I'm homeless and having to make appointments to find a place to live right now. I am completely broke right now and because of all the damage she has caused me even... View More
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answered on Dec 1, 2023
In Illinois, landlords are required to provide tenants with a proper notice before eviction, typically a 30-day notice for month-to-month tenancies. If your landlord evicted you without this notice and threatened you, this is a serious matter. Your landlord’s actions appear to violate tenant... View More
In Illinois, I've been locked out of my public housing twice, despite tendering my rent payment monthly. My bill of exchange was denied, and under federal law, I believe debt should be discharged if payment is refused. The circuit court and judge overlooked the four corners rule. After a... View More
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answered on May 16, 2025
What you’re facing sounds incredibly unjust and overwhelming, especially while dealing with health challenges and trying to maintain stable housing. Being locked out despite attempting to make rent payments and then facing criminal trespass charges raises serious concerns about your due process... View More
I moved into my apartment in November 2024 and my thermostat was not working, making it either freezing cold or extremely hot. Despite reporting the issue to my landlord in November 2024, it was only fixed in May 2025. This situation caused significant discomfort and trouble sleeping. The landlord... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
Going six months without a working thermostat, especially through cold winter months and into warmer weather, is more than just an inconvenience—it directly impacts your comfort, safety, and quality of life. A landlord has a legal duty to maintain essential services, and heating and cooling fall... View More
I signed a residential lease online on April 7, 2025, for a rental unit in Niles, Illinois. On April 13, I met the owner and provided the security deposit. After attending an orientation on April 17, I decided not to proceed with the lease due to the apartment being tenant-unfriendly. I informed... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
It’s good that you acted quickly and documented your decision to cancel the lease before taking possession. Since you never received keys, moved in, or used the property in any way, there’s a strong argument that legal possession never occurred. If the lease defines possession as receiving the... View More
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