Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

I plan to open a restaurant in a plaza. The landlord knew detailed plans and approved them. Another tenant told me otherwise months into my lease, stating I cannot offer certain services or serve beer, because he is the only tenant in the plaza allowed to do so. The landlord told me that it is not true because my restaurant is not a full service bar and the lease simply prohibits other full service bars. The other tenant is now trying to challenge this and sue me. I have been playing rent for months and have not been able to begin my build out because I've been held back by these legal matters. This has caused me EXTENSIVE financial issues and extreme psychological stress for myself and my family over the past few months which has been documented by professionals. I thought things would sort themselves out, but the entire matter has only gotten worse. I feel trapped in a situation where I have spent a lot of money that cannot be refunded and I am still paying rent for a place I can't officially move forward with yet. Can I sue the landlord for his dishonesty as well as my financial losses and psychological stress?


Asked on 10/17/16, 1:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

You are being sued? And you are still without counsel? And you are paying rent? And you think you can't start build-out? And you are incurring damages? Get yourself an attorney immediately. Have him or her review your lease. You may be able to get your landlord involved. Stop with the psychological stress stuff. OMG.

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Answered on 10/21/16, 10:35 am


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