State Specific Question About: ILLINOIS (IL)

I am a landlord in Chicago IL and having a very nasty tenant. How to vacate the rental property at the end of the lease? The tenant is not cooperative.

Thanks,

Nina,

I suggest the Happy Clause. “Joe, It’s obvious you are not happy here. I’ll let you out of the lease in March. Offer ends March 31.”

He’ll either want to stay and calm down or leave.

Might consider adding Cash for Keys if he does not accept the Happy Clause. (Give the money AFTER he is out!)

If the lease anniversary is near just send written notice you will not be renewing his lease.

I offer these ideas because from what I hear Chicago courts can make eviction slow. Even $500 Cash for Keys can be cheaper than court and more delays.

Hope this helps!

Give ample written notice, via certified mail, return receipt requested, that you are not renewing the lease and that he should plan to vacate, leaving the unit in move-in condition, as of ____ [date lease expires].

I normally give 60 days notice, even though I am not required to. If the T does not sign the Reciept, I then have the Notice personally delivered by a messenger service, which provides me with documentation that they delivered the notice.

If the T does not move out as of the specified date, I (1) refuse any further rent, and (2) begin eviction.

Thanks! ;o(

Be very careful. Chicago has its own laws. Contact a local LL organization or larger apt complex and ask them for advice.

• Tenants disturbing other tenants and having a housekeeping issue that leads to pest issues;

• Despite of multiple warnings, tenants keep their trash outside their units allowing dripping it on the neighbors living downstairs; Complaints have been filed with the police and city sanitation office;

• We’ve got the multiple noise complaints from other tenants; police were called few times;

• Tenants bring lots of not authorized occupants into the apartment;

• Constant late rent payments.

The lease is ending on Sept 1st. Can I terminate a lease for the reasons mentioned above.

There are two tenants on the lease. Apartment has 3 rooms. So, they keep renting to random people the 3rd room trying to make money on it.

Chicago is not good for rental business.

What cash for keys would be reasonable in my case?