The Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act (765 ILCS 1085) is designed to facilitate the installation and use of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in residential and commercial properties. It applies to new single-family homes and multi-unit residential buildings constructed or renovated after the Act’s effective date of January 1, 2024. It Includes certain requirements for installing electric vehicle capable parking spaces in new homes, small multifamily residences with parking, and larger multifamily buildings, conversions, affordable housing, and renovations constructed or renovated a ..read more

A new section (765 ILCS 705/4) has been added to the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act titled “Ban on Electronic Funds Transfers as Exclusive Method of Payment.” This prohibits Illinois landlords from requiring tenants to use electronic funds transfers (EFT) or similar electronic methods as the exclusive means of paying rent and other lease-related payments. Below is a summary of the new section and its impact on Illinois landlords and rental property managers. A landlord cannot require a tenant or prospective tenant to make any payment due under a lease, renewal, or extension agreement by ele ..read more

The Illinois Radon Awareness Act and the Illinois Tenant Radon Protection Act are important laws that address the issue of radon in residential properties in Illinois. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer, and these laws are part of public health efforts to reduce radon-related health risks. What is the Illinois Radon Awareness Act? It requires that sellers of a residential property in Illinois provide the buyer with information about indoor radon exposure and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s (IEMA) radon testing guidelines. While the Illinois Rad ..read more

As Illinois landlords are well-aware, each year Cook County issues an eviction moratorium over the holidays and winter months. This year is no different. On November 20, 2023, the Presiding Judge of the Cook County Municipal Department issued his annual Order requiring a moratorium on evictions during the winter season. Per the Order, the Cook County Sheriff may not perform any evictions: From December 18, 2023 through January 2, 2024, with evictions resuming on January 3; and Any day when the outside temperature is 15 degrees Fahrenheit or colder; and Regardless of temperature, any day when ..read more

The 1st District Appellate Court of Illinois recently ruled in favor of landlords on an important issue under the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Section 5-12-170 of the RLTO requires that a summary of the security deposit interest rates, issued by the Chicago Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development, be attached to every new lease and renewal, along with the RLTO summary. For years, landlords who chose not to take a security deposit were still saddled with the burden of obtaining the interest rate summary and adding it as an additional disclosure to eac ..read more

“Illinois Fair Housing Act and Discrimination: Legal Issues Impacting Chicagoland Landlords and Rental Property Managers” – KSN landlord/tenant attorney Jessica Ryan and Laura Boggioni discuss the Illinois Fair Housing Act and Discrimination. Topics include affects on tenants, Section 8 housing vouchers, screening, inspections, property management, and more. (55mins.)  The KSN Podcast examines various aspects of association law, landlord/tenant issues, property tax appeals, and more. In each episode, KSN attorneys share their experience and knowledge as they discuss legal updates ..read more

“Landlord Frequently Asked Questions Part 2” – KSN landlord/tenant attorney Jessica Ryan discusses frequently asked questions by Chicagoland landlords and rental property managers. Topics include evictions process, legal concerns, serving a tenant proper notice, accepting partial rent payments, unpaid balance options, and more. (48 mins.)  The KSN Podcast examines various aspects of association law, landlord/tenant issues, property tax appeals, and more. In each episode, KSN attorneys share their experience and knowledge as they discuss legal updates, best practices, industry tre ..read more

“Landlord Frequently Asked Questions Part 1” – KSN landlord/tenant attorney Jessica Ryan discusses frequently asked questions by Chicagoland landlords and rental property managers. Topics include emotional support animals, move-in fees, security deposits, updated Illinois regulations regarding electric vehicle charging, lease violations, and more. (46 mins.)  The KSN Podcast examines various aspects of association law, landlord/tenant issues, property tax appeals, and more. In each episode, KSN attorneys share their experience and knowledge as they discuss legal updates, best prac ..read more

The United States Congress passed a law in March 2020 titled The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in response to the economic and public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act provided a wide range of measures to support individuals, businesses, and communities affected by the pandemic. The CARES Act also included several provisions impacting landlords.  While President Biden has now declared the COVID National Emergency over, the federal government has yet to repeal the CARES Act.   Extent of CARES Act: Evictions, Loans, Tax Relie ..read more

“Just Housing Ordinance & Criminal Background Screening” – KSN landlord/tenant attorney Jessica Ryan discusses the Just Housing Ordinance & criminal background screening in Chicagoland and Illinois residential rentals. Topics include adhering to updated laws (federal and state plus local ordinances), landlord responsibilities, liability, potential violations, and more. (51 mins).  The KSN Podcast examines various aspects of association law, landlord/tenant issues, property tax appeals, and more. In each episode, KSN attorneys share their experience and knowledge as the ..read more