Chicago tenants are protected from landlord harassment under the RLTO and Illinois state law. Illegal lockouts, utility shutoffs, threats, and intimidation are prohibited. Tenants who experience harassment have legal remedies including damages, lease termination, and injunctive relief.
Harassment includes any conduct by a landlord intended to pressure a tenant into vacating or to punish a tenant for exercising their rights. Common examples include threatening or intimidating behavior, entering the unit without proper notice, shutting off utilities, removing doors or windows, changing locks without the tenant's consent, refusing to make necessary repairs, and filing baseless eviction actions. All of these are violations of the RLTO and Illinois law.
It is illegal for a landlord in Chicago to lock a tenant out, shut off utilities (water, gas, electricity, heat), remove doors or windows, or otherwise interfere with the tenant's use of their home. Under the RLTO, a tenant who is illegally locked out can recover possession of the unit and sue for damages. The landlord may also face criminal charges under Illinois law. If you are locked out, call 911 and contact a tenant rights organization immediately.
Some landlords offer tenants money to vacate, which is legal. However, when buyout offers are accompanied by threats, coercion, repeated unwanted contact, or false claims about the tenant's legal obligations, the conduct crosses the line into harassment. Tenants should never feel pressured to accept a buyout. Always get independent legal advice before signing any buyout or move-out agreement.
Document every incident of harassment with dates, times, photos, videos, and witness names. Report harassment to the City of Chicago by calling 311. For illegal lockouts or utility shutoffs, call 911. Tenants can also file a lawsuit seeking damages under the RLTO, including attorney fees. Free legal assistance is available through Legal Aid Chicago, the Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing, and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a qualified attorney or one of the free legal services listed above.