Property Standards

Landlords are required to keep their building in a livable condition. The following items are among the responsibilities required under Village of Oak Park law:

  • Buildings must be solid and in good condition
  • Foundations, walls and roofs must be water tight
  • Property must be exterminated to prevent mice, rats, insects and other pests
  • Smoke alarms must be provided, although the tenant is required to replace the batteries
  • Hallways and stairways must be lighted
  • Windows and outside doors must be in good condition;
  • Boilers, furnaces and chimneys must be in good working condition
  • Stairways, floors and hallways must be clean and functional
  • Plumbing and pipes must be in good working condition
  • Electric wires and circuits must be in good working condition
  • Toilets, sinks, tubs and showers must be in good working condition
  • Supply hot and cold water
  • Supply sufficient heat
  • Prevent the collection of stagnant water
  • Provide adequate ventilation and light
  • Provide screens for windows during the warm months

Insects and Rodents

Landlords are required to exterminate to prevent rats, mice, insects and other pests in the building.

Trash Collection

Landlords are required to exterminate to prevent rats, mice, insects and other pests in the building.

Appliances Repair

If the landlord supplies an appliance such as a refrigerator, stove or air conditioner, the landlord must keep them in good working condition. The tenant may not be held responsible if appliance fails due to normal wear-and-tear or age. However, if problem is the result of the tenant’s negligence, the landlord may hold the tenant responsible for the appliance repair or replacement.

Failure to Make Needed Repairs

If a landlord fails to make a necessary repair, the tenant may take advantage of the Illinois Residential Tenants Right to Repair Act, which governs repair-related issues (Illinois statute 765 ILCS 742). This state law requires the tenant to inform the landlord in writing of the request to repair. Upon notification, the landlord has 14 days to make the repair. If the repair is not made during this time, the tenant may hire a private contractor, not related to the tenant, to make the repair. The cost of the repair may not be more than $500 or half a month’s rent, whichever is lower. The paid contractor’s bill, which must include the contractor’s name, address and telephone number, must then be given to the landlord. Persons interested in this remedy should contact the staff of the Community Relations Department for consultation. Tenant may also contact the Neighborhood Services Division to request an inspection of the property by Village inspectors (see the Who to Call section of this handbook for contact information).

Minimum Temperature Heating Requirements

Landlords are required to provide adequate heat in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms from September 15 through May 15. From 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., a minimum temperature of 68 degrees (F) must be provided and from 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., the temperature must be at least 65 degrees (F) from 11p.m. to 6:30 a.m. If the apartment is not being kept in a livable condition, the tenant should contact the Neighborhood Services Division at 708.358.5410 and request a property inspection. The landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for contacting the Village.

Failure to Pay Utilities as Required by Lease

If the landlord fails to pay a utility as required by the lease and the utility company is threatening to shut-off service, tenants may seek an agreement with the utility company to pay their rent directly to the utility to avoid loss of service. This includes water service provided by the Village of Oak Park.

Billing for Lights Not Agreed to in a Lease

Any tenant who suspects they are being billed for electric lighting not stipulated in the lease should immediately contact the electric company to take a usage reading for the unit’s electricity. If the utility company determines the tenant is paying for more than the unit’s share as stipulated in the lease, the tenant should alert the landlord in writing, supply appropriate documentation and request repayment.

Back to top