Know the Common Reasons for Tenant Disputes

Late or non-payment of rent, property damage, and lease violations are the top reasons for tenant disputes. Miscommunication or misunderstandings about responsibilities can also sow seeds of discord.

Understand The Legal Framework in Chicago

Chicago’s landlord-tenant law significantly affects each party’s rights and obligations. Understanding the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) is critical to avoiding tenant disputes. The RLTO covers a wide range of topics, including security deposits, eviction, and lease agreements.

Secure Comprehensive Lease Agreements

Well-drafted lease agreements are the bedrock of a Tenant-landlord relationship. In your agreement, leaving no stone unturned in detailing responsibilities, rental terms, and property conditions is essential. Ensure your lease complies with Chicago’s rental laws and is reviewed by a legal professional. 

Regular Property Inspections

Conducting thorough inspections before a tenant moves in, after any maintenance work, and upon move-out can document the property’s condition. Providing tenants with a checklist can guide and formalize this process, reducing disputes about property damages.

Effective Communication Channels to Prevent Tenant Disputes

Clear communication channels can prevent disputes. Encourage tenants to report issues promptly and be available to listen and respond. Utilize multiple channels, such as email, phone, and property apps, to ensure accessibility.

Next Steps

Tenant disputes are never pleasant, but they are manageable. By understanding the legalities, preempting issues, and having a clear plan for resolution, landlords can protect their time, resources, and properties. Treating every tenant as a partner in the property’s stewardship while maintaining professional boundaries is crucial for a lasting and positive landlord-tenant relationship. If you have a tenant dispute, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to represent you.

The post How to Protect Yourself From Tenant Disputes appeared first on Bradford Miller Law.

In 2018, Chicago restructured their building codes to match the International Building Code (IBC). This new code goes hand in hand with the IBC structure and section numbers, which enables faster upgrades when the code cycle changes. This new code brings the city up to national standards and ushers in heightened life safety standards and cutting-edge technology integration that ensures Chicago’s buildings are among the safest in the world.

Not Obtaining a Building Permit

One of the most common violations for getting fined is conducting a renovation or remodeling without obtaining the proper permits. Having the correct permit before you start work will protect you from steep penalties and unwanted delays. Your construction project, whether it’s building a deck, finishing a basement, or even building a fence, will require a building permit or, in some cases, an “easy” permit. In the case of non-compliance, the Chicago Department of Buildings won’t hesitate to issue a “Stop Work Order,” instantly putting a halt to your project. 

The City of Chicago offers a streamlined, easy permit process for minor home improvement projects. The review processes range from easy permit and standard plan review to self-certification and developer services. Depending on the work’s scope, the fees for an Easy Permit can vary between $250 and $1,500.

Violating a “Stop Work Order”

In some cases, people avoid the “Stop Work Order” and continue their projects without obtaining the proper permits or complying. Not complying with a “Stop Work Order” can lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to $1,000 per day of violation, 100 hours of community service, or even six months of imprisonment. The order can only be lifted after obtaining a permit and paying the penalty. Remember, this can be avoided by getting the required permit in the first place. 

Porch Safety

As property owners, it is imperative to maintain safety standards in line with the building code. Porch safety is one of the most recurring violations. Inspectors will typically look for structural integrity, stairs, and handrails. A porch built over ten years ago is likely to have some violations. To avoid a potential lawsuit, we advise you to get your porch inspected for any defects.

Not Having a Sprinkler System

For certain types of buildings with large occupancies, such as residences with four or more apartments, schools, event venues that can house over 300 people, and hazardous occupancies, having sprinklers installed is a new requirement instated by the IBC.

Elevator Code Breaches

Elevator code violations are often found in high-rise buildings. While elevator inspections are handled by a separate department, other continuous and repeated infractions can raise concerns.

How We Can Help

Maintaining safety standards is crucial for your front porch, sprinkler system, or elevator. Countless landlords have been fined for violating one of these building codes, so make sure it isn’t you. If you are faced with a building code violation, contact us, and we will gladly represent you.

The post Five Common Building Code Violations in Chicago appeared first on Bradford Miller Law.

The Importance of Being Properly Insured

If you’re a landlord in Illinois, having landlord insurance may not be a legal requirement, but it is a wise investment. It protects substantially against property damage, theft, vandalism, and liability claims. Landlord insurance also affords compliance with changing building codes and guarantees that your property remains safe and meets standards.

What Does Landlord Insurance Cover?

Landlord insurance, or rental property insurance, is your safety net. It typically covers the rental building, other structures on the property, and personal property used to maintain the property and provides landlord liability protection. This includes property coverage for damages caused by various perils such as windstorms, hail, fire, water damage, and storm damage. Liability coverage is another piece of the safety puzzle. This feature offers a financial safety blanket for injuries on the premises.

Additional Coverage

While basic coverage is integral, landlord insurance doesn’t stop there. You can tailor your policy to fit your unique circumstances with additional coverage options. Some of these options include vandalism and burglary coverage, flood insurance for flood-prone areas, umbrella policies for higher liability limits, coverage for building renovations, ordinance and law coverage for meeting new building codes, and loss of rent insurance to cover rental reimbursement if your property becomes unlivable due to notable damage.

Protecting Your Rental Income

 Loss of rent coverage is a tool any landlord should have in their toolbox. This part of your policy provides financial protection if your property becomes uninhabitable due to unforeseen circumstances like fire or flood. Rent coverage is a temporary substitute for lost rental income. Tenant damage coverage is also critical, as it can help cover the bill for repair costs if a tenant accidentally damages your property. It’s an added layer of reassurance in the landlord-tenant relationship.

Tenant Responsibilities

It’s vital that tenants understand that your landlord’s insurance does not cover their belongings. Tenants should provide their own renter’s insurance to protect their belongings. As a precaution, you may require tenants to provide proof of renter’s insurance upon signing their lease.

The Importance of Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is a must-have for any landlord. It shields you from potential costs relating to injuries or property damage due to negligence or other covered situations. The financial impacts of a single liability claim could be devastating. By having liability insurance, you can rest easy knowing you’re protected.

Determining Coverage Needs

Speaking of protection, how much insurance do you need? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Factors such as the cost of the building, other structures on the property, and reconstruction costs all play a role in determining the necessary coverage amount. It’s also important to remember that your specific situation and location may cause your coverage needs to vary. When talking with prospective insurance agents, be sure to ask them:

• What Types of Coverage Does the Policy Offer?
• What Are the Policy’s Limits and Deductibles?
• Does the Policy Cover Your Rental Property Type? 
• Are There Any Exclusions or Limitations in the Policy?
• How Does the Claims Process Work?
• Can the Policy Be Customized to Meet My Specific Needs?
• Does the Policy Provide Coverage for Tenant-Caused Damage or Vandalism?

Now that you understand the importance of landlord insurance and its coverage options, it’s time to take action. Assess your specific needs, consider the potential risks, and customize your policy accordingly. Remember, with the right landlord insurance, you can confidently continue to rent out your property, knowing that you’re protected. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance with tenant eviction or building code violations.

The post Why Landlord Insurance is Important appeared first on Bradford Miller Law.

Don’t Forget to Give a Notice; Do Pay Attention to Details

You mustn’t miss any critical details when it comes to Chicago evictions. Illinois law requires that you issue a formal notice to your tenants before attempting eviction. You must present a 5-day Notice for rent nonpayment, while other lease violations require a 10-day Notice. Never underestimate the importance of proper notices; skipping this step can lead to defective filings.

Don’t Slack; Do Stay on Top of It

Managing dates precisely and proceeding swiftly once an eviction is needed is crucial. Remember, time is money, and any delay equals lost rental income. Connect with an experienced lawyer to start the process as soon as you can.

Don’t Accept Rent; Do Reject Payment After You Serve

Once an eviction notice is served, don’t accept any rent payments. Accepting rent at this stage typically negates your eviction filing. Only accept partial payments if you’ve consulted with your attorney first.

Don’t Lock Out; Do Keep Your Cool

Remember, no matter how frustrated you may be, never resort to locking out your tenants or forcibly removing their belongings. This is considered an illegal eviction and can land you in hot water legally and financially. The eviction is only legal when enforced by the law after receiving a court eviction order.

Contact us today if you need to evict a tenant and want to protect your rights. Bradford Miller Law, P.C. would love to help you with your Chicago Evictions.

The post The Do’s and Don’ts of Evictions in Chicago appeared first on Bradford Miller Law.