Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois
My current rental for my apartment is up on 6/30/12. I lived in my complex for about 5 years now and now we have new management that took over in August of 2011. I have been late paying my rent for about 6 months, but also paid the $75 late fee each time. When its' late, its' only by a little over a week. I have not received a renewal notice as of June 1, 2012. I went into the Management office to inquire about it. I was informed I might not get a renewal notice, but if I did the increase would apply and a possible $50 extra added on per month for a 6 month probationay period. If I don't agree to this, I would have to vacate by June 30, 2012. My question is , is that legal not to inform me of this on short notice, plus add an additional monthly fee required ? Any advice would be helpful.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Unless your community has an ordinance that requires landlords to give notice of intent NOT to renew, Illinois law does NOT require landlords under written leases to give such notices. Meaning it's equally up to you and the landlord to inquire, etc. So first check your community's codebook. If not, what's the deal with paying late and why blow $75 a month? For example: if it works out that your ideal payment date is the 15th, try explaining that to the landlord - while most want rent on the first, if you can be on time paying on the 15th, maybe you should discuss that option. Otherwise, this is the way things are when you start falling into arrears even if you pay things. Still, see if there's someone "higher up" who might be able to help if you like the place and want to stay.