Chicago Real Estate Legal Corner

By Mark Ainley

Cook County Property Types

There are many different types of properties in Cook County. They are sorted into several categories for the purposes of classification:ResidentialMulti-familyNot for profitCommercialCommercial incentiveCommercial/industrial incentiveIndustrialIndustrial incentiveIndustrial brown...

By Mark Ainley

Late Fees and Cook County Property Taxes

You can avoid adding a late fee to your tax bill by paying attention to the billing calendar and planning ahead. If you do not receive your mailings on time, be sure to call the Treasurer’s Office so that you are not unfairly penalized. If you will be traveling when as...

By Mark Ainley

Property Tax Refunds

You may be eligible for a refund if you overpay your Illinois property tax bill. Unclaimed tax exemptions and duplicate property tax payments are two examples of overpaying. If you do need to apply for a refund, this process can be completed on the Cook County Treasurer&rsqu...

By Mark Ainley

Chicago Snow Removal Law and Heating Ordinance: What Landlords Need to Know

Chicago winter months are known for below freezing temperatures and bitter cold wind chills. Accordingly, there are local ordinances that hold landlords accountable for making their properties habitable in the cold. The Chicago Heat Ordinance outlines essential services that...

By Mark Ainley

Cook County COVID-19 Adjustments and Assessment Appeals

Cook County Treasurer’s Office provides payment options for individual taxpayers experiencing financial hardship. However, the provisions have been expanded in response to the coronavirus pandemic. For example, county officials adjusted payment deadlines, rescheduled bill m...

By Mark Ainley

City of Chicago Announces 2021 Security Deposit Interest Rate

On an annual basis, the City of Chicago Comptroller is required to evaluate and set the interest rate to be paid on security deposits for residential lease agreements. The 2021 rate is 0.01%. Note: The rate has remained the same since 2015.The Chicago Residential Landlord an...

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