The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) was first approved in 1986 to outline the legal rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants in the city. This ordinance applies to most rental properties in Chicago, including those under subsidy programs from the Chicago Housing Authority and the Illinois Housing Development Authority. However, there are exceptions, such as owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units, and units in hotels, motels, dorms, and shelters.

If you are a tenant in Chicago, you have certain rights and duties under the RLTO. Tenants are responsible for maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, notifying landlords of maintenance needs, and keeping their units safe and clean. If a landlord fails to address maintenance issues within 14 days, tenants can take action, including withholding rent or making repairs themselves.

Tenants also have the right to terminate a lease if the unit becomes uninhabitable due to a serious issue. In such cases, landlords must return prepaid rent and security deposits with interest. If a tenant wishes to move before the end of a lease, the landlord must make an effort to find a new tenant. However, tenants are responsible for rent until a new tenant is found.

Landlords, on the other hand, have duties under the RLTO as well. They must provide tenants with important information, such as the property owner or manager's contact details, notify tenants of impending foreclosure proceedings, inform tenants of any code violations, and maintain the rental property. Landlords must also give notice before entering a unit for maintenance, except in emergencies.

When it comes to terminating a lease, landlords must give varying notice periods depending on the length of a tenant's stay in the unit. Additionally, landlords must provide an itemized statement of damages before deducting from a security deposit at the end of a lease. Late fees and eviction processes are also regulated under the RLTO to ensure fair treatment of tenants.

It's important to note that landlords cannot lock out tenants under any circumstance, and doing so can result in fines. Overall, the RLTO aims to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants in Chicago, ensuring a fair and transparent rental process for all parties involved.