Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

can a landlord refuse to change my locks after a burlary?


Asked on 1/24/12, 9:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Possibly. How was the burglary accomplished? If it had nothing to do with the lock, then it would seem to make sense that is not the issue and the landlord would be reasonable not to incur that expense. But if someone got in because of the lock, then very possibly. Since you apparently are in Chicago based on your zip code (60629), you do have rights to self-help too if you are in a building that the owner doesn't live in of 6 units or more and the landlord is refusing to do something reasonable. You'd have to give notice and then you may be able to have the locks changed and deduct the cost from your rent, but only if you do it in accordance with the Chicago Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance, which you should review. If you need help carrying this program out, you can ask for specific help.

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Answered on 1/24/12, 11:46 am


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