Landlord-Tenant Matters

Landlord-tenant disputes can be a major stumbling block for managing property. At Grcic Law, we excel at handling and avoiding landlord-tenant conflicts to manage disputes before, during, and after the relationship. We handle all kinds of landlord-tenant disputes, including but not limited to:

• Non-payment proceedings
• Legal/Illegal Evictions
• Holdover Actions
• Breach of Contract Claims
• Breach of Warranty of Habitability
• Payment Defaults
• Security Deposits
• Landlord Liens
• Sublease Agreements
• Collection Action

Landlord-tenant disputes can involve lengthy appeals and court processes. Our attorneys can assist with any conflicts.

Understanding Landlord-Tenant Matters

Landlord-tenant law is a complex field, with several conditions, exemptions, and limitations. Landlord-tenant laws apply to residential and commercial property, and we represent landlords and tenants for disputes.

Some of the more significant landlord-tenant issues we handle include:

• Evictions
• Landlord Rights (Residential & Commercial)
• Termination Notices
• For-Cause Notices
• No-Cause Notices
• Habitability Claims
• Unlawful Entry

Residential landlord-tenant laws in Illinois typically give ample protection to tenants, and landlords have relatively strict regulations they must follow. To that end, landlords should abide by best practices to avoid potential conflicts.

One of the most common points of conflict between landlords and tenants is the details of leasing agreements. The best defense against problems is to have a well-structured lease. While you can use boilerplate template leases, we recommend having an experienced attorney review agreements to ensure that they meet all legal requirements. An attorney can also help clarify ambiguous leasing language.

Generally speaking, tenant lawyers do not receive payment directly from tenants. Instead, they typically extract legal fees in settlement agreements. Landlord-tenant disputes can result in significant settlements, so it is in your best interest to have a competent attorney present.

When it comes to commercial leases, tenants typically have significant liability. As such, it is in their best interest to understand their rights and responsibilities under the lease. Tenants have a vested interest in having a real estate attorney review any commercial lease agreements.

Disclosures

Like many other states, Illinois law requires landlords to make certain disclosures when leasing property. Specifically, landlords must disclose the presence of lead-based paint and radon levels below the third floor.

If landlords fail to make these disclosures, they may be subject to heavy punitive fines and other legal sanctions. Our team of attorneys at Grcic Law will work to ensure that lease agreements have the proper structure and make the necessary disclosures.

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Illinois law allows landlords to seek compensation if a tenant breaches lease terms. These laws usually favor tenants, though, so landlords must be meticulous with documentation and follow all requisite processes before taking legal action.

For instance, landlords must provide adequate notice to vacate the property before pursuing eviction proceedings. An attorney can ensure that landlords follow these proceedings, increasing the chances of a satisfactory legal resolution.

Landlord-tenant matters are a significant source of conflict between owners and renters. Grcic Law represents both landlords and tenants during disputes. If you require mediation services for a landlord-tenant dispute, contact us at 847-696-6196 to schedule a free case evaluation.