Do this today
- Photograph the condition. Write the date.
- Dial 311 or file with City of Chicago — Department of Housing.
- If there is no heat, no water, or a gas smell: 911 or the utility first.
What does “livable” mean in Chicago?
Heat, water, sanitation, and structural safety are the usual floor. The exact list is in Illinois tenancy and eviction-related statutes and often in the city housing code City of Chicago — Department of Housing enforces. This desk does not reprint temperature charts or hour-counts.
What if nothing happens after I report it?
Keep the request numbers from 311 or City of Chicago — Department of Housing. Take that file to legal aid. Do not skip rent on a rumor. If the condition is dangerous tonight — no heat in winter, a gas leak, a collapsed ceiling — treat it as an emergency.
The Chicago layer
The Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is the Chicago layer. The City has also proposed updates — treat only what the Department of Housing currently publishes as in force.
Illinois tenancy and eviction-related statutes (765 ILCS 705 to 755) is the Illinois floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Chicago questions
What if there is no heat or no water in Chicago?
Treat it as urgent. Dial 311 or file with City of Chicago — Department of Housing. If it is dangerous tonight, 911 or the utility. Then write it down and call legal aid before you skip rent.
What number should I call in Chicago?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. City of Chicago — Department of Housing does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.
National answers on this desk
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org