Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

I just moved to Rock Island, Illinois, and I live in a studio. The building is infested with bed bugs, something that the owner never told me about prior to moving in. I found out that evening and when I brought my stuff over due to a note with regards to bed bug spraying the following day. Since October 5, the building has been sprayed every two weeks, with NO RESULTS. I have also treated my unit myself with stuff and nothing is working. I don't know what to do.

Also, I have not had an oven since moving in, and I keep getting a run around from the owner about him having to order the part. IT's an old stove/oven. I don't know what to do about this. Also, there is a tenant that as Asperger's and he is constantly yelling at all house of the day and night, even into the early morning hours, waking myself and others. He also put his hands on my roommate, which we called the cops and nothing was done. The owner just said that "he might have to evict him", all the owner does is text his mother, and nothing gets done. What can I do


Asked on 12/07/16, 9:23 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

First call the building department - some communities (like Chicago) have specific ordinances requiring the landlord to act and if not other things happen. Rock Island's building department should know what the local rules are. Same with the stove. If Rock Island has no ordinances there are state laws allowing you to make certain repairs and withhold some rent - but this is tricky. You can also move out and declare a "constructive eviction" if the landlord tries to sue for rent or damages, but this should also be handled with proper notice. See an attorney.

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Answered on 12/29/16, 6:38 am


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