If tenants find themselves facing a bedbug infestation, the first step is to get tenants to realize it is not their fault or a sign of being dirty. Infestations need to be reported immediately and landlords need to take swift action. Tenants Associations can negotiate with landlords, serve as a watchdog to make sure work is done correctly and if necessary, pressure landlords exterminating pests.

What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it very difficult to breathe. The small and medium airways swell and fill with mucus when they come into contact with certain environmental allergens. In some cases asthma can cause death. Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled through medications and cleaning up your environment.

Credit reports contain information about where you live and work and your bill paying habits; it may also state whether there has been and eviction or arrest. Landlords have the right to charge for credit reports. Many landlords pay credit agencies for reports. A landlord may also track credit themselves, by contacting banks, credit card companies, and checking court files for lawsuits or bankruptcies. Either way the landlord can charge a non-refundable fee for the check.

Tenants Without Access to Fuse Box

In buildings over four units, the Chicago Building code requires that a tenant have access to their fuse box. If the tenant cannot get to their fuse box, the tenant has the right to call a locksmith and have the door opened and a key made. Before calling the locksmith, the tenants must give the landlord written notice as required in the repair remedies section of the Chicago Ordinance(14 days notice for non emergencies and less for an emergency).  

As a tenant, what am I required to do?

• Throw out your trash in a clean and safe manner;
• Use all fixtures (such as lights and ceiling fans) and appliances in a reasonable and safe manner;
• Don’t damage the apartment;
• Don’t disturb your neighbors;
• Make sure your family members and guests act appropriately;
• Provide your landlord with reasonable access to your unit (see below); and
• Obey all the lawful provisions of your lease agreement.