Chicago Real Estate Legal Corner

By Mark Ainley

How Updated Fair Housing Law Impacts Illinois Landlords

The Illinois Human Rights Act added “source of income” as a protected class on January 1st, 2023.As defined in the legal update: “’Source of income’ means the lawful manner by which an individual supports himself or herself and his or her dependents....

By Mark Ainley

What Landlords Need to Know About Cook County’s New Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (RTLO)

The Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) was adopted on January 28, 2021 and applies to most Cook County suburbs.Like the existing City of Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), the new cook County RTLO establishes tenant friendly conditions and penalti...

By Mark Ainley

Illinois Landlords and the New Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Effective May 3, 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued an interim final rule (IFR) that applies to debt collectors as defined in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).This new rule requires Landlords to make the following changes in cases...

By Mark Ainley

The New EPA Brochure: What Illinois Landlords Need To Know

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new brochure in March 2021 explaining “The dangers of lead in your home and how to protect your family from lead-based paint hazards."Landlords who utilize the outdated EPA pamphlet in their leasing procedures can fa...

By Mark Ainley

20-Year Study Shows Chicago’s Increasing Property Taxes

The Cook County Assessor completed a 20-year study that demonstrated the increase of Chicago property taxes since 2000. The study looked at residential and business property taxes. It also compared the increases among Chicago’s 50 wards.Here are a few highlights:Reside...

By Mark Ainley

New Illinois Executive Order’s Impact for Landlords

On June 11, 2021, Illinois Governor Pritzker issued a new Executive Order (2021-13) addressing evictions. With a modified eviction moratorium, here are the implications for Illinois landlords:1. Eviction Orders entered before March 20, 2020 can be enforced by the Sheriff effectiv...

By Mark Ainley

Cook County Multi-Family Property Tax Appeals

To be considered multi-unit residential property, a parcel of real estate must be set up to accommodate several households in separate units. Multi-unit residential appeals involve several factors including:Capitalization ratesComparable propertiesErrorsNew constructionOpera...

By Mark Ainley

Cook County Commercial Property Tax Appeals

Commercial property is defined as a parcel of real estate used for business activities. Commercial property is often a building that houses office or retail space. It can also be land, a garage, hotel, theatre, gas station, shopping center, commercial greenhouse, or any other spa...

By Mark Ainley

Cook County Property Tax Appeal Basics

The value of a property is what is used to determine the cost of its taxes. When you file an appeal, you are contesting the value that was previously assigned to your property. The appeal process can take anywhere between 6-12 months, depending on when the appeal is received...

By Mark Ainley

Breach of Contract

The COVID-19 pandemic has made a significant impact to the Illinois rental market. To many landlords, resolution seems hopeless as they are faced with increasing tenant delinquencies, unpaid rent, and legal restrictions.With eviction moratoriums remaining in place, landlords are ...

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