Do this today
- Write the problem. Date it. Keep photos.
- Open a request with City of Chicago — Department of Housing or dial 311.
- Do not skip rent until legal aid has read the process for your state.
Who inspects a Chicago rental?
City of Chicago — Department of Housing is the local conditions door, and 311 is often how you open a request. An inspector’s dated notice is a different kind of paper than a text to the manager. 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.
Can I stop paying rent to force the repair?
Sometimes Illinois law provides a repair-and-deduct or rent-withholding process, and sometimes skipping rent is grounds for eviction. That line is in Illinois tenancy and eviction-related statutes. Ask legal aid before you change what you pay.
311 or the Department of Housing?
311 opens many City requests. Housing-ordinance questions — what the RLTO requires of this landlord — go to the Department of Housing. Put the repair in writing either way. An inspector’s dated notice is a different kind of paper than a text.
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
My landlord in Chicago will not make repairs — what can I do?
Put it in writing. Keep photos. File with City of Chicago — Department of Housing or dial 311. Do not skip rent until legal aid has read Illinois tenancy and eviction-related statutes with you.
Is 311 enough?
311 opens a City request. It is not a court case and it is not legal aid. Keep the request number. If the unit is dangerous tonight, 911 or the utility first.
311 or the Department of Housing?
311 opens many City requests. Housing-ordinance questions — what the RLTO requires of this landlord — go to the Department of Housing. Put the repair in writing either way. An inspector’s dated notice is a different kind of paper than a text.
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