The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) is one of the strongest municipal tenant protection laws in the United States. It governs security deposits, lease terms, lock changes, landlord access, and provides specific remedies when landlords violate its provisions.
The RLTO (Municipal Code of Chicago, Chapter 5-12) is a comprehensive ordinance that regulates the relationship between residential landlords and tenants in Chicago. It applies to most rental housing in the city, with limited exceptions for owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units and certain subsidized housing. The RLTO sets standards for security deposits, lease disclosures, maintenance responsibilities, lock changes, and much more.
Under the RLTO, landlords must attach a copy of the RLTO summary to every written lease. Landlords must also disclose the name and address of the building owner and manager, the bank where the security deposit is held, and any pending building code violations. Failure to make required disclosures can entitle tenants to specific remedies, including monetary damages.
Tenants have the right to change the locks on their unit at their own expense after giving the landlord written notice and providing a copy of the new key. Landlords must give tenants at least two days written notice before entering a unit for non-emergency reasons, and entry is limited to reasonable hours. In emergencies, such as a fire or gas leak, the landlord may enter without notice.
The RLTO provides tenants with specific remedies when landlords violate its provisions. Depending on the violation, tenants may be entitled to recover damages, withhold rent, terminate the lease, or receive court-ordered attorney fees. For security deposit violations, tenants can recover up to two times the deposit amount plus interest and attorney fees. These remedies make the RLTO one of the most tenant-favorable municipal ordinances in the country.
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The RLTO applies to most Chicago rental units. Key exemptions include owner-occupied buildings with 6 or fewer units, approved religious organizations, and certain government-subsidized housing. If unsure, contact the Metropolitan Tenants Organization.
The RLTO gives you the right to a habitable home, proper notice before entry, an itemized security deposit with interest, written receipts, disclosure of building violations, and remedies if your landlord violates these rules — including rent reduction and lease termination.
Depending on the violation, you may be entitled to terminate your lease, withhold rent, deduct repair costs, or sue for damages up to two months' rent plus attorney's fees. Document everything and consult a tenant attorney for your specific situation.
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.