Property Manager has not kept record. Will not give me any recor

[William Greyer]

I am changing property managers.  I am finding out through my new property manager that my old property manager has not kept any records.  I just found out only 2 of the 6 tenants have paid rent this month. some of them are several months late.  My old property manager refuses to put anything in writing.  I cannot evict the tenants if I have no records.  The old manager threatened me and told me litigation is expensive which is true. She keeps saying I have great tenants and that they should be able to pay late.    I also found out through an inspection through my new manager that the units have not been kept up. The new manager is much more professional but what can I do to get her to give me the records. I am considering getting a lawyer, but I cannot spend a lot of money. My property is in Chicago.  In cook County.