The Chicago RLTO
The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance governs most rental units in the city. Among other things it sets rules for security deposits, including receipts, interest and return within 45 days after the tenant moves out, and it requires specific notices and disclosures. Mistakes with deposits can carry penalties. Suburban Cook County has its own Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance.
Leases and notices
Lease drafting and review, renewal and non-renewal notices (Chicago's Fair Notice ordinance lengthens notice periods for longer tenancies), and the notices required before an eviction case can be filed.
Evictions
Eviction cases in Illinois are brought under the Eviction Act. In Chicago they are heard in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Proper notice and service are the foundation of the case.
Buying a building with tenants
Leases, deposits and the tenant list transfer with the building. The purchase should include rent roll review, estoppels where appropriate and deposit accounting at closing.
Questions clients ask
Does the RLTO apply to my two-flat?
The RLTO has an exemption for owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units, so many owner-occupied two-flats are exempt. Non-owner-occupied two-flats generally are not. Confirm the specifics for your building.