Are "MIFs" bound to the same rules as security deposits, i.e. interest bearing account? Is there a special way of handling MIFs?

You are smart for no longer taking security deposits; this is the advice I give all my clients. A non-refundable move in fee is just that. It is...

Eviction process of ex girlfriend

Your girlfriend has rights to live in the property however, the real question is how do you end those rights. If you are not living in the house...

Is a ten day notice to quit that expires without tenant vacating merged into five day notice due to failure to pay rent.

The short answer is "no". A 10 or 5 Days Notice is a predicate to filing an eviction case. Since your tenant already moved out then you do not...

Early lease termination

There is no clear procedure for you to terminate your lease. You must decide which is worse: living with bedbugs, or breaching your lease. If you...

Under ADA, aren't landlords required to make "reasonable accommodations" for tenant w PTSD?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act the Landlord has to make "reasonable accommodations" for your disability. It is very unclear what that...

How long can a landlord hold on to a five day notice before it's invalid to file for eviction?

If you accept payments after the five day notice period has elapsed then you will nullify the notice and reinstate the tenancy--even though there...

Apartments in Chicago can be "illegal" if they are in violation of the Zoning Code or material violation of the Building Code. If this applies to...

Evicting tenant

You still have to go through the eviction process unless you are 100% certain that the tenant will be in jail for several years or more. You...

How do we prove our innocence

Who are you trying to prove your innocence to? Unless the tenants file some kind of claim against you in court or with some administrative agency...

How can I seek to recover unpaid rent from tenant that has moved out and I do not have a current address? Cost?

Collecting unpaid rent is a "collections" case--similar to a suit for an unpaid car note or credit card bill. There are three steps to the case:...