Landlords - No, you cannot change the locks when you dont receive the rent

I recently dealt with a situation where a landlord apparently changed the locks on a tenant after the tenant was late with his rent.  The landlord was a first time landlord who was renting out his condo due to the decline in the real estate market.  The landlord thought he didnt do anything wrong - after all, in his mind the tenant didnt pay his rent on time so he was simply taking back his property.  He never heard of the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance and definitely was surprised when he was contacted by the tenant's attorney.

We were able to settle the matter out of court but I believe this landlord learned an important lesson.  Read the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance.  It applies to most landlord-tenant situations and it will tell you what you can and cannot do.  Even better though, consult with an Attorney.  Paying for an hour of the Attorney's time can possibly save you thousands later.

My office offers one on one landlord training for only $175.00.  (Approximately one hour of time).  If you plan on being a landlord in the City of Chicago, it is definitely a good investment.  To schedule a one on one training session, contact my office today.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.

Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, Estate Planning
321 N. Clark Street, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60654
312-238-9298
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com/
Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

10 weeks

10 weeks!  That is the estimate I have been receiving from the Sherrif's office as to how long it will take them to evict a tenant (once they receive the order of possession).  This means that the whole process from start to finish can now easily take at least 4 months.  Landlords - make sure you start the process as soon as possible.  Call my office for a free 15 min phone consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, Estate Planning
321 N. Clark Street, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60654
312-238-9298
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com/

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer.  This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Another big mistake

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Real Estate Law | Landlord Tenant Law | Estate Planning
321 N. Clark Street, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60654
312-238-9298

Unfortunately, today I received yet another lease used by a landlord that he got off the internet.  It did not follow the City of Chicago Landlord Tenant Ordinance.  It actually doesnt even look like it was written by an Attorney.  It was probably typed up by someone who thought they knew what they were doing.  And then unfortunately they put this piece of crap on the internet for other landlords to use.

Landlords - DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE.  Call my office!  One hour of my time is all it takes to help you with all of the proper documents which could save you thousands of dollars later.  Unfortunately for this landlord, the tenant is suing him and is likely going to receive a judgment for over $4,000.00 simply because he didnt follow the City of Chicago Landlord Tenant Ordinance with regard to the lease and security deposit.  I bet he wishes he called my office a lot earlier.

Helpful links for landlords and tenants

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.

Chicago is unique with its laws pertaining to landlord-tenant relationships.  Below are some links that will help landlords and tenants understand the law.

Chicago Landlord Tenant Full RLTO Ordinance:
http://www.chicityclerk.com/Landlordand_Tenants_AMEND_7-28-10.pdf

RLTO Summary, revised July 2010:
http://www.caapts.org/files/owner-RLTOSUM.pdf

Amendment to RLTO dated July 2010:
http://www.caapts.org/files/legis-RLTOamendmentJuly2010.pdf

City of Chicago Security Deposit interest rate summary:
http://www.caapts.org/files/owner-RLTO Security Deposit Interest Summary.pdf

Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
321 N. Clark, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60654
312-238-9298
Experienced in real estate law, landlord tenant law, and estate planning
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com/

Major change coming to the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Experienced in landlord-tenant law in Chicago, IL

Landlords and Tenants be aware of the major change coming in September-October 2010.  See the change here:

http://www.chicagorealtor.com/associations/6001/files/RLTO%20Security%20Deposit%20Reform%20Ordinance.pdf

Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
321 N. Clark, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60654
Main: 312-238-9298
Fax: 312-379-3163
Web: http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com/