What makes Chicago laws more tenant friendly than other cities?

Question

Everyone says that Chicago has laws that greatly favor the tenant over the landlord. I'm not getting good comparative search results so maybe someone with more Google-fu could provide some better search queries. I'm curious what makes Chicago better for tenants and out of curiosity what other cities have in place to extremes in favor of tenants, and cities to extremes in favor of landlords to get a gauge of how Chicago sits on the scale.

Brie Schmidt · Answer

Read the RLTO.  In general it favors the tenant - pretty much in every aspect.

I still invest in Chicago, but I know the rules and follow them so to me it isn't a big deal

Account Closed · Answer

Seattle instituted a law that required landlords to take the first applicant even if a felon or pedophile regardless of your concerns for the safety of you or others. You are still held liable if they commit a crime on your property.

2012

Continuing issues with substandard housing conditions

Rental Registration & Inspection Ordinance

SMC 22.214 revised program developed with input from local   rental owners.

2016

Significant rate of discrimination based on use of Section   8 voucher, disability and familial status found during 2015 testing program

Source of Income Ordinance and “First in Time” rule

SMC 14.08.020 amended to include source of income as   protected class. Law expanding to WA State in 2018.      SMC 14.08.050 requires landlord to accept first qualified applicant.   Overturned in King County Court, appeal pending.

2017

Rapidly rising cost of rental housing

Rental Agreement Regulation amendment

SMC 7.24.35,36,38 limits move in charges and requires   provision of payment plan. Lawsuit pending.

2018

Increased awareness of disparate impact of criminal   history screening

Fair Chance Housing Ordinance

SMC 14.09.025 disallows use of criminal records in the   screening process. Lawsuit pending.

Account Closed · Answer

@Brie Schmidt I listened to one of your podcast on BP yesterday. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience.Found a lot of good resources (such as 'Handyman Matters') for handling my real estate investments. I know you manage all your properties here in Chicago by yourself but do you know any reliable property management company in Chicago that can take care of my rental properties ?

Account Closed · Answer

Please note:

"SMC 14.09.025 disallows use of criminal records in the screening process. Lawsuit pending."

They are still litigating. But no matter, when boundaries are crossed, it's only a question of "when" not "if" it will get worse for the landlord.

This is just one example. I'm not trying to detail all the difficulties of being a landlord in Seattle. There are plenty of other legislated impediments. I was a landlord in Seattle for years, and am no longer. Since there are so many cities and towns in the USA to invest in, why pick the tough ones to invest in? That's my point.

What makes Chicago laws more tenant friendly than other cities?

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