Evanston updates rental laws enhancing tenant rights on utilities and repairs

The City Council of Evanston held a meeting on March 26, 2025, to discuss important updates regarding tenant rights and responsibilities under the recently amended Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). The meeting focused on new disclosure requirements for landlords and the rights of tenants concerning maintenance and repairs.

One of the key changes under the amended RLTO is the requirement for landlords to disclose their name, address, and telephone number, as well as that of any new owners if ownership changes. Additionally, landlords must clarify who is responsible for paying utilities, provide utility cost estimates for the past year, and disclose any building code violations or potential utility shutoffs. They are also required to inform tenants about known lead hazards, pending foreclosures, and how to manage bed bug issues.

The meeting emphasized the importance of tenants reading their leases carefully to ensure all necessary disclosures are included. It was noted that landlords are responsible for maintaining the premises in compliance with building codes and must address any criminal activity on the property. Tenants are encouraged to document any issues and communicate them in writing to their landlords to create a paper trail.

Another significant update is the classification of air conditioning and internet access as essential services. This means landlords must respond more quickly to issues related to these services compared to other repairs. Previously, tenants had limited rights regarding repairs for air conditioning and internet outages, but now they can demand timely resolutions.

The meeting also addressed tenants' rights to make repairs themselves. Tenants can exercise the "repair and deduct" option if landlords fail to address issues after being notified. The limit for this deduction has increased to $500 or half of the monthly rent, whichever is greater, allowing tenants to spend more on necessary repairs.

Overall, these updates aim to enhance tenant protections and ensure that landlords fulfill their obligations, fostering a more equitable rental environment in Evanston.