How to File a Complaint Against Your Landlord in Illinois

Are you a renter in Illinois experiencing unresolved issues with your landlord—like maintenance delays, unfair rent increases, or possible illegal eviction threats? Understanding your renter rights and knowing how to file a formal complaint can help you address disputes and protect yourself under Illinois law. This guide outlines the straightforward steps to file a complaint, the official forms you'll need, and where you can get help along the way.

Understanding Your Rights as a Renter in Illinois

Illinois renters are protected by the Illinois Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act and, in Chicago, the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). These laws outline landlord obligations like keeping your home in good repair, protecting your right to quiet enjoyment, and ensuring fair eviction processes.

Common Reasons to File a Complaint

• Unaddressed or unsafe maintenance issues
• Unlawful entry by your landlord
• Discrimination or harassment
• Improper notice before lease termination, rent increases, or entry
• Illegally withheld security deposits

If you have already notified your landlord about the problem and it's not resolved, you may need to file a complaint with the correct city, county, or state agency.

Where to File a Complaint in Illinois

Your options depend on your location and the type of problem:

• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR): Handles complaints against landlords who are licensed real estate professionals.
• Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR): For cases involving housing discrimination.
• Local city or county code enforcement: For maintenance or building code issues (e.g., City of Chicago’s 311 system).

Official Forms and How to Use Them

1. IDHR Housing Discrimination Inquiry Form

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Inquiry Form
• Purpose: Begin the complaint process if you believe you’ve been discriminated against due to race, disability, familial status, or another protected category.
• How to Use: Submit the online form or print/mail the PDF to the Illinois Department of Human Rights. A representative will contact you for more information.

2. Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) Complaint Form

• Form Name: RLTO Complaint/Report Form
• Purpose: For renters in Chicago who experience RLTO violations, such as illegal entry or improper eviction attempts.
• How to Use: Complete the RLTO online complaint form on the City of Chicago website and submit supporting documents or photos, if available.

3. Report Building Code Violations

• Form Name: Municipal Building/Property Maintenance Complaint (varies by city)
• Purpose: Report unsafe living conditions, such as lack of heat or non-functioning plumbing, to city code enforcement or the health department.
• How to Use: In Chicago, dial 311 or file an online service request for inspection. Elsewhere, contact your city or county office directly.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Complaint Against Your Landlord

Follow these actions to file a complaint if your landlord isn’t addressing your concerns:

• Gather evidence: Keep copies of communications, photos of issues, and records of payments or notices.
• Contact your landlord: Send a written request explaining the problem and requesting repairs or a resolution. Keep copies.
• If unresolved, choose the right agency: Discrimination cases go to IDHR; building safety or repairs typically go to city code enforcement or the Chicago Department of Buildings; RLTO issues go to the Chicago Department of Housing.
• Complete the correct form: Fill out all required fields, include your documentation, and note deadlines.
• Submit and follow up: File online, by mail, or by phone, and track your case number if provided.

Most agencies will contact you for more information or schedule an inspection. Always save all your records throughout the process.

FAQ: Illinois Renter Complaint Process

1. What evidence should I keep when filing a complaint?
   Save emails, texts, written requests, photos of damage or repairs needed, and copies of any forms or notices you give or receive.
2. Which agency handles security deposit disputes?
   For non-return of security deposits in Chicago, you may use the RLTO complaint process or pursue action in Small Claims Court. Outside Chicago, check your local municipality or county rules.
3. Can I file a complaint if my landlord retaliates?
   Yes. Illinois law prohibits landlord retaliation against renters for filing complaints or requesting repairs. Document any incidents of retaliation and consider adding this information to your complaint. Learn more from the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.
4. How long does the complaint process take?
   Timelines vary by agency and complaint type. For urgent building code issues, inspections are usually within days. Other cases, like discrimination, may take weeks or months. Agencies typically update you during the review.
5. Will my landlord know I filed a complaint?
   In most cases, yes, especially if an inspection or official review is required. However, your rights are legally protected from retaliation.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Illinois renters have clear rights, including safe housing and protection from discrimination.
• Document every issue and attempt to resolve disputes directly with the landlord first.
• Use official state or municipal forms and agencies to file your complaint and always keep records of every step.

Filing a complaint preserves your rights and can help solve issues when informal communication hasn’t worked. Support is available if you ever feel overwhelmed by the process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation: For complaints against licensed property managers.
• Illinois Department of Human Rights: For housing discrimination complaints statewide.
• City of Chicago Department of Housing: RLTO enforcement and education for renters in Chicago.
• Illinois Legal Aid Online: Free legal information and self-help forms for renters.
• Illinois Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Rights: Guides and help for renters across Illinois.

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1. Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act
2. Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)
3. Illinois Department of Human Rights: Housing Discrimination Complaint Process
4. City of Chicago 311

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