Roaches in Chicago apartment, i need to break my lease legally!

Business Questions 5 views 3 answers
I recently signed a 1 year lease for a one room apartment in chicago. Upon the first move in day i found roaches. First i seen dead ones, then later in the evening they came out of my sink drain! About ten of them! I just moved out of my last apartment due to roaches. My landlord/the apartment manager did not mention any roaches habitation prior to me signing the lease. And it is the same leasing group i leased from before. When I asked them if there was any vermin, the manager stated no they spray every month. Now I need to break my lease because I cannot co-habitate with cockroaches for fear that they wil get into my items and move with me when i move. I am a very clean and tidy person, but i cannot live with the stress and terror of roach outbreaks in my home. i need to move out legally If they spray for roaches every month and there still are roaches then it must merit the problem as an infestation. It is a visibly older apartment building with 3 floors of one room and studio apartments. Any legal advice for my situation will be greatly appreciated.

Attorney Answers

3
Emma Scott 1127372.Html ·
If your building is in Chicago and is covered by the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (CRLTO), then this situation is specifically addressed in Section 5-12-110. This section states that if there is an infestation you may deliver a 14 day notice to the landlord, giving him that time to correct the problem. If the problem is not then corrected, you will be able to legally break the lease. I don't recommend doing this on your own. It is important to get the assistance of an attorney who handles landlord tenant issues to properly deliver the notice and help you break the lease.
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Judy Goldstein ·
You may have a basis for breaking your lease but you should consult with an attorney who handles landlord problems. You might be able to locate some online help, but there is no substitution for an in-person discussion. Special laws apply to Chicago landlords and leases.
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Barry Boykin ·
One good resource for Chicago tenants who are eligible is the Lawyer's Committee for Better Housing. There are other resources as well that may help you in your efforts to break your lease or negotiate an early termination of the lease, or obtain alternative housing. As has been stated, Chicago has a strong ordinance protecting tenant's rights. See the link below:
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