Can you ask for last month's rent?

[Ian W.]

Seems to be the consensus a non-refundable move-in fee is preferred in Chicago -- legal reasons.

What about getting, in addition, first and last month's rent prior to move in? Does this open you up to more litigation similar to a security deposit? 

Does anyone implement this or similar? 

[Mark Ainley]

@Crystal Smith Very true....defending Fair Housing is a guilty to proven innocent process so it is important to do it the same everytime and even better provide publically how you do it up front to applicants before applying.  

@Jonathan Klemm The issue with CRLTO is you are not supposed to be charging these "fees" up front to exceed more then 50% of the monthly rent so that is where you can run into issues in Chicago.  

Cook County has a similar proposal on the table that compares to CRLTO that will govern the parts of Cook County outside of Chicago and that proposal does not allow non refundable move in fees at all.  I will have an interview I did with my friend from IAR up on our YouTube Page today or tommorrow that talks about it.  

The one thing that isnt talked about here is Surety Bonds.  We started using that in lu of deposits or fees this past year in all areas outside of Chicago but we are talking about using them inside soon.