New Illinois statewide tenant law signed; Chicago seeks to push further

www.offthepress.com

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law into effect that lawmakers say intends to increase renter protections statewide.

Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has his eyes set on a sweeping ordinance worrying many landlords.

The state law specifically targets undisclosed and “junk” fees that some tenants may not see on their lease.

House Bill 3564 requires new transparencies, specifically that all fees must be listed on the first page of a lease. It also prohibits application fees larger than $50 in most cases, any fee for a change or renewal of a lease, after-hours maintenance and multiple others.

State Rep. Nabeela Syed, D-Palatine, explained the process of working the bill into its now-signed form while on the House floor earlier this year.

“I’ve actually heard from several landlords in the negotiation process of this bill where they have talked about certain bad actors in the industry that are charging these absurd fees that don’t make sense,” Syed said. “This is simply trying to remove the ability to put additional fees that we have heavily negotiated, that are just causing undue burdens on individuals that are looking for housing.”

The law is set to take effect Jan. 1.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a new ordinance Monday also intended to protect tenants in the city.

More here

Tagged: Local BACK TO HOMEPAGE