Lake County, Illinois Tenant Rights
Lake County, Illinois is in the Chicago metropolitan area between the Windy City and the Wisconsin border. Tenants who live in this county are covered under Illinois state housing laws. which protect tenants' rights and explain what a tenant should do if problems arise. Illinois housing laws define what tenants and landlords can do in a rental property, covering everything from the lease to the security deposit to eviction procedures. Lake County does not have its own set of landlord-tenant laws.
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Leases
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Illinois law recognizes both oral and written leases. Both the landlord and the tenant must follow all guidelines specified in the lease. The tenant cannot break any rules in the lease if the landlord fails to live up to his end of the agreement. However, the tenant can sue his landlord in small claims court for damages. For example, if the landlord failed to make agreed-upon repairs within a specified time frame, the tenant may have the right to sue the landlord.
Rents and Security Deposits
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Under Illinois law, the amount of rent for the property should be listed in the lease and the tenant must pay the full amount of rent by the due date. Most landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit before moving into a property. Under Illinois law, the landlord must return the security deposit to the tenant within 45 days of the tenant's vacating the property. If the landlord does not plan to return the security deposit, she must provide the tenant with a written list of charges for damages caused by the tenant within 30 days, according to the Southern Illinois University School of Law.
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Property Upkeep
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Illinois law does not specify when a landlord can and cannot enter a rental property. However, the tenant has the right to peacefully enjoy her home, and the landlord typically cannot enter the property frequently or at odd hours. However, landlords can enter the property as needed to complete emergency repairs. Landlords must also maintain the property and keep plumbing, electrical wiring and central heating in working order. If the landlord fails to make a major repair, the tenant can sue the landlord in small claims court.
Evictions
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Landlords have the right to evict a tenant who violates his lease. However, the landlord must follow proper legal procedure for an eviction. The landlord cannot lock the tenant out of the property, attempt to evict the tenant by removing his personal property or shut off the utilities. Landlords must provide a five-day written notice to tenants who fail to pay the rent and a 10-day notice to tenants who violate the lease in another way before they can file for an eviction, according to the Southern Illinois University School of Law. If the tenant complies and corrects the situation, or the landlord accepts rent from the tenant, he cannot continue with the eviction.
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