Paul Bernstein, Attorney at Law
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Paul Bernstein, Attorney at Law

Comments on the RLTO IndexTHE CHICAGO RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD
AND TENANT ORDINANCE (RLTO)

SELECTED PROVISIONS AND COMMENTARY Navigate Next and Previous Ordinance

By: Paul Bernstein, Attorney at Law

Section 5-12-170 - Summary of Ordinance Attached to Rental Agreement The Commissioner of the Department of Housing shall prepare a summary of this chapter, describing the respective rights, obligations and remedies of landlords and tenants hereunder, and shall make such summary available for public inspection and copying. A copy of such summary shall be attached to each written rental agreement when any such agreement is initially offered to any tenant or prospective tenant by or on behalf of a landlord and whether such agreement is for a new rental or a renewal thereof. Where there is an oral agreement, the landlord shall give to the tenant a copy of the summary.

If the landlord acts in violation of this section, the tenant may terminate the rental agreement by written notice. The written notice shall specify the date of termination no later than 30 days from the date of the written notice. If a tenant in a civil legal proceeding against his landlord establishes that a violation of this section has occurred, he shall be entitled to recover $100 in damages.

Commentary: A Summary of the RLTO as provided for must be attached to each lease, new or renewal. If that is not done, there is an absolute right to terminate the lease. If the matter goes to court, the tenant can also recover $100 under this sub-section.