Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

rentpayments

I had a verbal agreement with my landlord to pay $100.00a month and to pay the utilities which are in his name(water/electric).I've paid this amount since June 2001 both by check. In August 2003 he raised the rent to $200.00 a month which I have paid til present.He has made no improvements but he has junked up the place(unsafe for my two children or grandchildren).When I complained to the proper authorities he gave me a verbal 30 day eviction notice. He will not accept any of my rent payments and says he will turn off the utilities.He says the rent was supposed to be $250.00 a month and this is his eviction reason. He is a liar and cheat. What can I do? Please be as detailed as possible. Thankyou so very much.


Asked on 11/07/03, 12:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Thaddeus Hunt Law Offices of Thaddeus Hunt

Re: rentpayments

I think you have a very good case. Notices for evictions should be in writing and not verbal. Further, it seems that he tried to evict you after you complained. This could be the basis for an action for retaliatory eviction. You cannot evict someone in retaliation for tlaking to authorities or anyone else regarding the property. Since you have paid by check, you at least have a record of the payments made. Since your agreement with him is not written, the checks could be quite a bit of proof of the agreement. Hope this helps.

If you have any other questions, please email me or call my office at (312) 236-9906

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Answered on 11/08/03, 9:03 am


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