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Landlord Responsibilities for Repairs in Illinois

In Illinois you have the right to repair a problem yourself and take it out of the rent, and if something is extremely serious then you can abandon your lease after waiting three days.


Your landlord in Illinois has to keep a rental unit habitable for a human to live in. This means that things like structural defects, pest infestations, or problems with the heat, hot water, gas or electricity are all serious issues. There have been previous court cases in the state that might make it possible to argue that a landlord also needs to meet your expectations more generally - read up on habitability in Illinois to learn more

You should mention the state's warranty of habitability when you ask for a repair to get made - either in conversation or in your written request for a repair.

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The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.