1. I got a job transfer to another state. Does that automatically terminate the lease?

No, a lease is a legally binding contract.

2. Can I terminate my lease early?

Illinois State Law states that the tenant is still responsible to pay for the full term of the lease even if the tenant departs before the lease expires. Illinois State Law also allows for an early lease termination provision as agreed to between the landlord and tenant.

3. Am I required to give notice to terminate the lease early?

Absolutely, you are required to provide 60 days written notice to terminate the lease.

4. Are short-term leases available?

Generally yes with a monthly rent premium.

5. May I pay my rent in cash?

For your safety, cash is never accepted in our office.

6. May I pay my rent by credit card?

Yes, but there is a service charge for this service.

7. If I mail my rent payment, how early should I mail it?

In time to ensure it is received by the first of the month, generally five days before it is due.

8. One of the roommates cannot pay their rent. Am I responsible for their rent payments?

Yes, each resident is jointly and severally (legal terms means individually) responsible for all terms of the lease.

9. Should I make a partial rent payment if I don’t have the full amount?

A partial rent payment is always preferable to no rent payment at all. Late fees will continue to accrue until the rent is paid in full.

10. What should I do if I am not able to pay the rent on time?

Notify the landlord in advance of when the rent payment is due. Work out a payment plan for the rent and late fees with the landlord.

11. What happens if my check is returned for insufficient funds?

It is also a felony in the state of Illinois to knowingly write a check without the funds to cover the check or to stop payment on a check when services have been provided. It is called “theft of services” and it is a crime! You will be subject to a returned check fee and late fees.

12. After I move out when is my security deposit returned?

Illinois State Laws allows the landlord up to 30 days to return the security deposit once the home is vacated. The lease may contain provisions that shorten this period of time.

12. Is getting evicted a good way of getting out of a lease early?

No. If you get evicted, that eviction goes on your credit record and may make it difficult for you to rent a home, get a credit card, get car insurance, get a loan, buy a car or even get a job! Everyone checks your credit history and the computers never forget a bad debt or eviction. In these cases, the landlord generally will always prevail in court which results in significantly increased costs to the resident.

13. What if there are damages to my home when I move out?

The tenant is responsible for any and all damages to the home. If you break it, you must pay for it. There are no free rides. You must be responsible for your home. It is best to notify the landlord before you move out.

14. What if someone moves into my home and they are not listed on the lease?

This is a violation of the terms of the lease terms. If you have someone you want to move into your home, you they must be on the lease. Contact the landlord to add the person to the lease.

15. Can the landlord restrict the type, breed, and or size of my pets?

The landlord has the final decision over what type of pets are permitted in the home.

16. Do I have to have the landlord’s permission to have a pet?

Absolutely, the landlord has the right to approve or disapprove of pets in any home. Some homes are specifically approved for pets and other homes are not.

17. What is a maintenance emergency?

A maintenance emergency is something that will cause additional damage to the building if it is not fixed immediately. For example, a broken water pipe or water leak.

18. How long does it take to have a normal service call completed?

Generally, all service requests should be completed within 24 hours on normal business days. Sometimes, it might be necessary to order special parts and it could take longer. For example, appliance parts must be orders from special vendors.

19. Who is responsible for safety and security in my home?

Each resident is responsible for their own safety and security in their home.

20. What should I do if there is a noise complaint in the neighborhood?

If it is a one-time, short-term event, ignore it. If it is a loud party or music, contact the city police non-emergency number at 656-2131. Please notify the landlord. We don’t know unless you tell us.

21. What should I do if someone is illegally parked?

Notify the landlord.

22. What should I do if I see something suspicious happening in the community?

Call the police. Notify the landlord after calling the police.

23. What happens if I get locked out of my home?

It is your responsibility to maintain the keys to your home. After normal business hours, there will be a service fee ($35.00) to have an employee come to let you into your home. We do reserve the right not to come out after 9pm. The resident always has the option to call a locksmith at their own expense if no one is available to assist them.

24. What precautions should I take to prevent frozen pipes if I am going to be away from my home for a week during the winter months?

Leave the heat setting on at least 60 degrees. Call the office.

25. Will the landlord be permitted to make a special exception to the lease for me?

Fair Housing Laws make it almost impossible for the landlord to change any provision of the lease without offering the same opportunities to all tenants. Most attorneys advise against attempting to “offer any special deals” to a customer.

26. What happens if my utilities are disconnected due to non-payment?

There might be damages to the property due to loss of water or electrical power. The tenant would be responsible for these damages.

27. May I use the home to conduct business?

City ordnance restricts the use of a home for business purposes. This is especially true in a situation where customers are required to come to the home

28. Am I required to have Renter’s Insurance?

We do require Renter’s Insurance. Renter’s insurance provides coverage for the tenant’s property in the event of a fire, flood, etc. It also provides liability protection to the tenant.

29. Can I alter the home (i.e. paint, wallpaper, ceiling fans, etc)?

Not without landlord approval. Generally the tenant will be responsible to return the home to its original condition before leaving.

30. Why do I need to fill out the Property Condition Report?

It protects you by providing a record of the condition of the property.

31. What is normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear is defined as deterioration that occurs over time from the use of the residential premises, even when the tenant provides reasonable care and maintenance.

32. What is expected of me as a tenant?

1. Pay your rent and other fees on time each month.

2. Do not disturb your neighbors.

3. Do not damage the property.

33. What is expected of the landlord?

1. Prompt courteous service.

2. A quality home.

3. Professionally maintained community.

34. If the landlord begins eviction procedures, will I be able to continue the lease?

Generally, in an eviction procedure the landlord always prevails and the tenant must leave the home. Once this process begins, it will be less expensive for the tenant if they leave without formal eviction proceedings which could cost the tenant up to $1,500.00. The landlord rarely looses in this type of court proceeding.

35. I have a boat trailer or oversized truck. Can I park it on the rental property?

City ordnance limits trailers and oversized trucks which are permitted on the property.

36. Can I use my performance deposit to pay the last month’s rent?

Illinois State Law does not permit deposits to be used to pay rent.