Landlord

[Mickey Simmons]

 What are your rights as a tenant when a landlord doesn't respond to calls or text messages concerning with air-conditioner in Illinois? Its hot and I know it concerns a heath issues. What are the steps to take?

[Ronan M.]

Mickey

Your question is somewhat vague but I believe 3 scenarios might help to answer it.

A) Tenant rented a unit with no AC. Tenant has no recourse really as they should have known and acknowledged that fact before agreeing to rent the place. That's probably explains the silence from the Landlord.

B) Unit has central AC or window units and they are not working properly. Landlord is obliged to correct the problem within a reasonable amount of time OR failing that, tenant could have the repairs done and deduct from the rent and provide receipts for the work done.

C) Tenant rented a unit with no AC and now wants AC. Depending on the particular landlord and tenant relationship, a compromise could be met whereby the landlord provides a window unit in return for  security deposit.

For good tenants I have gone the route of C) from above.  I require a $50 dollar security deposit for the use of a window unit and that deposit is fully refundable if the AC unit is returned in same condition at the end of the season or end of the lease. I charge $50 because good window units are expensive and are MOVEABLE. They can miraculously be "lost" "eaten by the dog" or "stolen by aliens" who never seem to take them back to their space ship but only as far as the nearest pawn shop. Hence I only have this arrangement with long term good tenants. They get a (basically) free AC unit to keep them cool and I keep happy long term tenants who pay rent. This might be something to propose to help your current situation/question. Landlord might be more willing to assist if the tenant proposes something sensible and shows they are willing to have some skin in the game (the deposit).

Hope this helps.