FAQs
What is the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)?
The Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) applies to residents within the city of Chicago only. Created to protect the rights of renters and landlords, the ordinance serves to clarify landlord tenant law and govern the majority of residential agreements within the city. Our team can help you understand and utilize the RLTO to benefit your case.
What type of notice do I need to serve on a tenant who has failed to pay their rent?
In Illinois, a 5-Day Notice is required for a residential tenant who has not paid their rent. However, in commercial cases, the Lease should determine the notice period. In absence of a specific provision in a commercial lease, a 5-Day Notice is required.
If I serve a 5 Day Notice on a residential tenant, and the tenant tenders only a partial payment of the amount demanded in the 5 Day Notice, can I accept their partial payment?
Yes. Acceptance of any amount less than the full amount demanded on the 5 Day Notice, prior to court, will not spoil the case, provided the following language is included in the standard Five Day Notice form: “Only full payment of the rent demanded in this Notice will waive the Landlord’s right to terminate the Lease under this Notice, unless the Landlord agrees, in writing, to continue the Lease in exchange for receiving partial payment.”