Landlord-Tenant Attorneys: Protect Your Rights

What are some reasons to evict or sue a tenant for damages?

There are several reasons why a landlord might evict a tenant or sue a tenant for damages, including the following:

• The tenant has not paid rent.
• The tenant has caused damage to the rental property.
• The tenant has violated the terms of the lease agreement.
• The tenant is engaged in illegal activity on the rental property.

If you are a landlord who has experienced any of these issues, call our offices at (312) 971-2581 to arrange an appointment or book us online.

Contact An Attorney For Non-Payment of Rent

Landlords are often left to try and figure out how to litigate in court. This process can be costly, and timely, and often result in a poor outcome if not done correctly. Many landlords choose to attempt to resolve their disputes through mediation.

If you are a landlord with a tenant not following the lease agreement or causing damage to your property, it may be time to evict them. The first step is to send a notice to the tenant informing them that they violate their lease agreement. If the tenant does not rectify the situation within the specified time frame, then you can begin the eviction process.

The eviction process can be complicated, so it's crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side. At Chicago Family Attorneys, our team of knowledgeable lawyers has experience handling all types

What are some expected outcomes of an eviction case in Illinois?

There are a few expected outcomes of an eviction case in Illinois:

• The tenant is ordered to move out of the property within a specific time.
• The tenant is ordered to pay the landlord a specific amount.
• The eviction is dismissed and the tenant is allowed to stay in the property.

Which outcome you receive will depend on the specific circumstances of your court case. An experienced real estate law attorney, eviction attorney, or housing attorney can give you the legal advice you need to make an informed decision regarding your case.
Landlords and tenants are often confused about the laws after the Covid-19 pandemic and the moratorium. Our firm pays attention to many supreme court rulings regularly and uses within court proceedings. We are happy to explain the process and work with our clients.

Skilled Chicago Landlord-Tenant Attorneys

If you're a landlord in Chicago, contact our attorneys today to learn more about how we can help you with your eviction case. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to getting our clients the best possible outcome.

We know the law and how to navigate eviction so our clients can get back to business as usual. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your eviction case.

Thank you for considering our firm to represent you in your upcoming Eviction proceeding. Below, please find additional information on the Illinois eviction Process.

We are confident that you will find we build a positive attorney-client relationship and due to years of experience in landlord-tenant court cases, we are the right attorneys to work with.

What are some common defenses against eviction?

There are a few common defenses that tenants may use against eviction that are outlined below:

• The landlord did not give proper notice: For an eviction to be carried out, the tenant must be given accurate information. If the landlord did not provide the correct type or amount of notice, the eviction may be considered invalid.
• The landlord is retaliating against the tenant: Retaliation is illegal under Illinois law. The eviction may be invalid if the landlord tries to evict the tenant because they have exercised their legal rights (such as reporting code violations).
• The landlord breached the lease agreement: If the landlord violated the terms of the lease agreement, the tenant might have a defense against eviction. For example, if the landlord entered the property without notice or permission, this would be considered a breach of the lease agreement.

Which outcome you receive will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. An experienced attorney can advise you on which defenses may be applicable in your case.

What are some common misconceptions about eviction?

Common misconceptions regarding Illinois evictions:

• The eviction process is always quick.

The eviction process can take several weeks or even months to complete. The courts often work with a backlog of cases and depending upon what your court order says and the time that is available for the court, that will determine when you may be heard next. Often, there are numerous court appearances that will be made. This is especially true of cases that are in Chicago.

• The landlord does not need a reason to evict the tenant.

In Illinois, the landlord must have a valid reason for wanting to evict the tenant. Some common grounds for eviction include nonpayment of rent, property damage, or a lease agreement breach.

If you have any questions about eviction in Illinois, you must speak with an experienced attorney. Eviction laws can be complex and vary from state to state. An attorney can advise you on your specific legal rights and options.

The Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance and Landlords

The Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (C.R.L.T.O.) is a set of laws that govern the relationship between landlords and tenants in the city of Chicago. The C.R.L.T.O. covers various topics, including eviction, rent increases, security deposits, and repairs.
If you are a landlord in Chicago, it's essential to be familiar with the C.R.L.T.O. and how it may affect your case. For example, under the C.R.L.T.O., landlords must give tenants a minimum of 30 days' notice before evicting them. If you do not provide your tenant with this notice, their eviction may be invalid. The C.R.L.T.O. also imposes specific requirements on landlords regarding repairs and maintenance.

For example, landlords must ensure that the property is in good repair and free of hazardous conditions. If you have questions about the C.R.L.T.O. or how it may apply to your case, it's important to speak with an experienced attorney.
 

How To Get An Eviction in Chicago: An Overview

If you're a landlord in Chicago, Illinois, you know that the eviction process can be complicated and time-consuming. You need an eviction attorney who knows the ins and outs of the eviction process and how to win for our clients.

We at Chicago Family Attorneys have a team of experienced eviction attorneys dedicated to getting our clients the best possible outcome. We know the law and how to navigate eviction so our clients can get back to business as usual. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your eviction case.

The first step in an eviction is to give the tenant an eviction notice to vacate. This notice must be in writing and state why you are trying to evict tenants from the rental property.

The most common reasons for eviction are nonpayment of rent, property damage, or a lease agreement breach. Once the tenant receives this notice, they will have time to vacate the property. If they do not vacate within this time frame, the landlord can file an eviction complaint with the court.

Once the complaint is filed, the court will set an informal hearing date or a date, allow the parties to participate in an early resolution program, or select the matter for trial. At a hearing or trial, the judge will listen to the landlord and the tenant, and their attorneys will argue on their behalf.

After hearing both sides, the judge will make a decision. If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, they will issue an order of possession or order for money damages. This order will give the tenant a certain amount of time to vacate the property or require the tenant to pay outstanding fees and costs to the landlord.

If the tenant does not comply with this order, the sheriff may be called to remove them from the premises.

The eviction process can be complex and time-consuming. That's why it's crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side.

Our attorneys know the law and how to win for our clients. Landlords and owners of residential or commercial properties have enough to worry about between property taxes, finding new tenants, marketing, and upkeep. Contact our attorneys to handle the legal work. You won't regret it.

What types of notice are there in Chicago for tenants to be evicted?

In Chicago, there are several types of notice that landlords can give to tenants for eviction. These rules differ significantly from the notice requirements set forth by the Illinois legislature.

A two day notice is required for entry into the dwelling of a property under the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance.
A five-day notice is typically used for nonpayment of rent or property damage. This type of notice gives the tenant five days to either pay the outstanding rent or to vacate the premises. If the tenant does neither, the landlord can file an eviction complaint with the court.
A ten-day notice is typically used for lease agreement breaches. This type of notice gives the tenant ten days to either cure the breach or to vacate the premises. If the tenant does neither, the landlord can file an eviction complaint with the court.

A thirty day notice is used when a tenant has lived in the property for less than six months, but they are on a month to month lease.
A sixty day notice is used when a tenant has lived in the property for more than six months, but less than three years. This is used when a landlord wishes to end the lease agreement, but there is not a late payment of rent and there is not a breach of the lease agreement.

If a tenant has lived in the property for more than 3 years, then a 120 day notice must be given to the tenant that occupies the residence.
 

How much do Eviction attorneys in Illinois charge?

The costs may vary depending upon the experience of your attorney, the length of time a case takes, complications within a case, and if you are seeking costs or sole possession of a property.

Our office typically asks for a retainer fee of $2,000 to $3,000 upfront before beginning work on a case. This is considered a retainer. Retainers are the client's funds that attorneys use to cover their hourly rate and time spent working on a case.

Another option attorneys may use is a flat fee arrangement specifically for trials or other aspects of work. This is often used as a "limited scope" arrangement.

Limited Scope arrangements are used only when attorneys are requested to handle specific parts of cases. Depending upon the case, they tend to be a flat fee or a la carte. Once an attorney meets the contract's requirements, they can withdraw from a case.

Cases in Illinois range drastically depending upon your attorney. Our fees are reasonable, and we allow clients to see all work completed on their behalf. At our law firm, you will know what you are paying for.

Our firm has excellent services. The fees generally range from $3,000 to $6,000 in total. This is not a guaranteed amount of money, and each case is different. Landlord-Tenant law attorneys generally charge these fees over time.

Please remember that if you cannot afford legal services and you are a landlord or tenant, you may be able to find legal services through legal aid in Chicago, Illinois.

We often find that wait times are a bit longer for these programs, but depending upon your circumstances, you may be able to use their services or qualify for representation if you are a low-income client who is below the poverty level.

What are self-help evictions?

Self-help evictions are any actions a landlord takes to remove a tenant from a property without legal eviction. This can include changing the locks, shutting off utilities, or removing the tenant's belongings from the rental property.

These evictions are illegal in Illinois and can result in severe penalties for landlords. If you are a landlord in Illinois, it is important to work with a knowledgeable attorney. This will ensure that you are following all the correct legal steps.

We have a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to helping our clients navigate the eviction process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your case.

What happens if a tenant leaves early from a lease?

If a tenant leaves early from a lease, the landlord may be able to sue the tenant for breach of contract. The landlord may also be able to keep any security deposit paid at the beginning of the lease agreement.

It is important to note that in Illinois, landlords must give tenants a written notice before they can file an eviction complaint with the court. This notice must state the reason for the eviction and provide the tenant a specific time to either cure the issue or vacate the premises.

If you are a landlord in Illinois, it is important to work with a knowledgeable attorney to help you with evictions. Call us today at (312) 971-2581 or book us online today.

What is the Early Resolution Program in Cook County evictions?

The Early Resolution Program (ERP) is a program offered by the Cook County courts that provides an opportunity for landlords and tenants to resolve their eviction case without going to trial.

This program is voluntary and both parties must agree to participate. If the case is not resolved through the ERP, it will proceed to trial.
If you are a landlord or tenant in Cook County, you must work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate eviction proceedings.

How is the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance different from other cities in Illinois?

The Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (C.R.L.T.O.) is a set of laws that govern the relationship between landlords and tenants in the city of Chicago.

This ordinance is different from other cities in Illinois in several ways, including the following:

• Landlords must provide written notice to tenants before they can file an eviction complaint with the court.
• Landlords must give tenants a specific time to either cure the issue or vacate the premises.
• Landlords cannot evict tenants for not paying rent if the landlord has failed to provide essential services, such as heat or water.

If you are a landlord or tenant in Chicago, you must work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the eviction process. Our office has a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to helping our clients resolve their cases.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you. Call us at (312) 971-2581 or book an appointment online.