Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois
Extortion
my landlord of 5yrs.also is owner of a cardealership: I moved out under good circumstances, I also have purchased my automobiles from him, I am paying monthly on my Van.
Landlord made home improvements to my old apartment,nothing that had to do with any damage I left, now after being gone from my old apartment for a month,I was 6 days late on carpayment, he repossessed my car,and I was informed that if I paid for new carpet in the apartment he would give me my van back! I paid rent to him for 5yrs, security deposit was $2000.00. bought 2 used cars from him, have already paid a year on this car and he repossessed it for more money for carpeting HELP
also does IL require security deposit to be held in a interest bearing account?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Extortion
To start with IL does not require the security payment to be placed in an interest bearing account unless the unit is in a complex consisting of 25 or more units. (765 ILCS 715/1). Or if the unit is located within the City of Chicago.
To answer your question regarding the repo of your van I would have to see what documents/contracts you signed at the time of purchase. However in general you can not repo a car for being six days late on your payment. Furthermore you are not required to pay for damages to the property in question unles you receive notice of the damage and a bill showing the cost of repair.
I do believe it is in your best interest to retain an attorney who can contact your landlord/car dealer and get this issue resolved.
If you wish to discuss this issue in greater detail please call my office and I will be happy to speak with you.