The Municipal Code of Chicago gives residential renters
powerful rights. Here are selections from the Code that govern
condo, apartment, and house rentals in the City of Chicago.
TITLE 13: Buildings & Construction
CHAPTER 13-4 - DEFINITIONS CHAPTER 13-10 - REGISTRATION OF MULTIPLE DWELLINGS
CHAPTER 13-56 - CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS BY OCCUPANCY
CHAPTER 13-164 - SECURITY DEVICES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
CHAPTER 13-196 - EXISTING BUILDINGS – MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
CHICAGO RENTAL LAW
The Chicago Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) provides the most powerful remedies for renters in Chicago, but other selected chapters from the Chicago Municipal Code are also important. Even Chicago renters should be aware that Illinois state law and United States federal law provide remedies that supplement many of the Chicago rules - even if the renter is not protected by the RLTO.
Click on any of the Code sections to the left for the provisions in each Chapter. This website does not purport to give an exhaustive list of all rules and regulations applicable to Chicago rental housing.
RENTERS' RESOURCES
Chicago City Council
Tell your alderperson you vote for the RLTO
Chicago Building-Related Court Search
Search for code enforcement action taken against a building
Chicago Zoning Map
Find your building's legal address and PIN
Chicago Apartment Lawyer
Mark Silverman Law Office Ltd.
Cook County Recorder of Deeds
Find out who (or what) holds title to the building
Cook County Court Case Search
Search your building address or landlord for circuit court cases
This website is not legal advice, and makes no guarantee of providing an accurate or up-to-date version
of the Code sections set forth herein. The City Council can amend the code at any time without notice.
