In search of Post Eviction Relief, Delivered Costly Building Code Violations Instead

[Joseph Tuczak]

Hi Team- after almost a year of lost rents, legal bills, police involvement, & destruction of property, two tenants/units were evicted by the sheriff.  After restoring the shattered windows, common areas, and the units themselves that were left in poor condition as a result of their tenancy, I was hit with two code violations that will be large construction projects (garage repairs & window sills).  I am doing the right thing by improving the quality of housing for the other tenants, but it has run up the bills with a lack of income to support further drastic repairs that are benign & coming out of pocket (as I had underwritten). 

I have a court date in mid-October.  Has anyone received a building code violation and attended the hearing?  Do I need to hire an attorney to represent me for this case?  I want to explain the financial burden I have absorbed, taking on risks to provide good housing they might not see, before chalking up two more substantial projects.  

Thank you for any thoughts!

[Andy Nathan]

@Joseph Tuczak Unfortunately, the city of Chicago will not see this as a sufficient reason to not do the repairs.

Their concern is the health and safety of the tenants and yourself. They don't look at the cost as much.

Your best bet is to find a way to fund the repairs and get new tenants in who can pay for a nicer place and take care of it.

I know that is not the answer you want. Also, I agree that starting/finishing the repairs before the court date shows the city your willingness to work with them.