This is a follow up to my blog post of January 22, 2015, regarding the City of Chicago's "Bad Landlord List."
On January 27, 2015, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Department of Buildings published the first Problem Landlords List identifying residential building owners who have been repeatedly cited for failing to provide tenants with basic services and protections, such as adequate heat, hot water, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Those on the list have been found liable in two or more Administrative Hearing cases within a 24-month period and have three or more serious building code violations.
The list includes 59 owners of 45 problem properties where the owners aren't delivering the services residents are entitled to. The list and an interactive map can be found at: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bldgs/supp_info/building-code-scofflaw-list.html.
The list will be published on a bi-annual basis and will provide residential building owners an opportunity to appeal. DOB will send letters to landlords that appear on the list to notify them of their violations and the new penalties they may face if they do not address the building code violations and bring their buildings into compliance.
Building owners who appear on the list will not be able to obtain business licenses, receive zoning changes, acquire city land or receive financial assistance like Tax Increment Financing (TIF), or obtain building permits not related to addressing their violations. The most serious offenders, who have already been found liable by a hearing officer or a judge and have failed to comply, could be subject to forfeiture or receivership to third parties who can provide for the life safety and welfare of the residents in their buildings.
The DOB also published an updated Building Code Scofflaw List with additional information, including 18 property owners and 79 properties. By separate ordinance passed in 2010, the City publishes a Building Code Scofflaw List annually, identifying residential building owners with three or more properties that are the subject of active Circuit Court cases where the violations remain uncorrected after the second court hearing. The new Problem Landlords ordinance also provides new avenues for enforcement against those on the Building Code Scofflaw List.
As a landlord and property owner you are required by law to make necessary repairs and maintain your property in a safe condition. Bradford Miller Law, P.C. focuses on real estate law, landlord tenant law, building code violations and estate planning. We are committed to providing you with expert legal support and approach every client with a focus on integrity, advocacy, and understanding.
At www.bradfordmillerlaw.com you will find helpful landlord information along with information about our firm. To discuss your pending or potential real estate transaction, your ongoing legal needs as a property owner or landlord, or your estate planning concerns, call us at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.
Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602
Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale
Key words: Chicago Building Code violations, Chicago Building Code Violation lawyer, Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant attorney, Chicago Real Estate attorney, Chicago Eviction attorney, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney fees, Estate Planning Lawyer. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.
