Recent content by Paul Bernstein

Section 5-12-080 - Security Deposits Illinois and Chicago law discussions: Chicago is very protective of a tenant's security deposit. Under section 5-12-080 of the RLTO, Landlords are required to: (a) Hold all security deposits in a separate, federally insured bank account, separate and...

Section 5-12-010 of the RLTO - Title, Purpose And Scope In order to get a basic understanding of the Chicago RLTO, it is appropriate to learn about the "purpose"...and "policy" of the City in adopting the RLTO. Here is a part of the first section of the RLTO that talks to this issue and sets...

What is the name of your state? Illinois It is often VERY difficult to discuss a particular landlord and tenant issue when we are not talking about a specific state or other governmental unit, such as the City of Chicago. Hopefully, at some point in time, these forums will have lawyers from...

You MUST check the court records now...it sounds like you were in court and may have defaulted in one way or another. IMMEDIATED ACTION is required...find out the facts and see what the written COMPLAINT that may have been filed against you says and alleges. If you were named as a defendant and...

Please note that this forum is for Illinois residents and also for Chicago residents, particularly those who are covered by the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance.

In Illinois/Chicago, landlords can NOT just take a judgment against you...they must file a lawsuit against you and you must usually be served with a summons....to have a money judgment entered against you. Can you be more descriptive in what your landlord told you and what you have found out as...

If you are in Chicago: 1. Retain Chicago counsel that knows landlord/tenant law. 2. File a jury demand. This will provide you with some time and give your lawyer time to work with you to determine if you have any defenses to the action, etc.

Sorry for the tardy reply. You should check with counsel experienced in such matters. See the "Find A Lawyer" and other resources on this system.

You may have just received duplicate communications. You should NOT have to pay twice. Check with the lawyer serving the garnishment papers, if there is one. If not, check with the Clerk of the Court to ease your concerns.

you DO NEED to retain an attorney. Check the references here by clicking on "Find A Lawyer", and interview several to see what the lawyer knows about such situations and how much the lawyer will charge and on what basis. You do have a situation that warrants IMMEDIATE attention.

Sorry, but its hard enough to know the law in one state, Illinois, which this forum is the subject of, let alone adding Michigan. Please repost your message in an appropriate forum.

You can have a "Special Process Server" appointed, on proper motion in the Court. However, your better "bet" is to hire a lawyer who knows about the Ordinance you are relying on for damages and hire that lawyer on a contingency....Under Section 5-12-180 of the Chicago Residential Landlord and...

In both Chicago, if the rental was covered by the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, or in any event, under Illinois law, landlords must attempt to "mitigage" damages caused by a tenant leaving before a written lease is over. Proving or trying to prove that the landlord did NOT...

Are you in Chicago? The first question I have for you is: Was your apartment in Chicago? If so, and even if not, how many units in your building and did the landlord live there?

If you are in Chicago AND if your unit is covered by the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, and IF other facts are present, you MAY be able to terminate your lease. Please provide more facts accordingly.