Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

Good day to you!

I am one of three people currently living in a Humboldt Park apt in Chicago, IL. We have discovered the presence of bedbugs, and have tried steaming methods, laundry and preliminary consultations to decide what to do - obviously we need to have our home treated but our landlord is reluctant, avoiding our efforts to get a written agreement, and things have reached the point where we feel she is unlilkely to make any effort on her own to fix our problem. The blame game as to who brought them in does not matter. its now a matter of time, before the bugs get out of hand.

We need to have a clear and definable lever to use, legally speaking to get things moving and get an exterminator in here - all the research we have found online indicates that the landlord is responsible for dealing with infestations, regardless of bug origin. The infestation at present is small, therefore it should be less expensive, but she simply will not agree to be responsible or even acknowledge responsibility. How, if we may ask you, should we approach this situation legally?

Landlord vs tenant? who is responsible?

What legal measures should we consider if she will not agree to take action?

please help us, if nothing else to point our weary eyes in the direction of helpful rescources.. we cannot foot the bill ourselves, and we are frustrated with having our olive branches rejected by the person who should be taking care of our home..

yours most sincerely..

the humboldt park ladies


Asked on 2/15/10, 8:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

Hello, this is a very serious matter. The landlord is in violation of the Chicago Municipal Code. I suggests that you dial 311 and report the condition of the apartment to the City of Chicago. It should reach the proper department quickly Of course you can also file a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County against the landlord for the conditions of which you are complaining. Will be happy to discuss this further and in more detail.

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Answered on 2/21/10, 9:04 pm


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