14 Day Letter Requesting Repairs

Hey All-

This is probably my most-asked question, and something all tenants in Chicago can do on their own when they have a landlord who is not making repairs to a tenant’s satisfaction. You need to send what is called a 14 day letter. Send it certified mail (so you can prove a date of receipt) and keep a copy for your records. The below text is what I’ve used before:

To whom it may concern:

My name is _______________, your tenant residing at ___________, in Chicago, IL _______. As I’m sure you are aware, my tenancy is governed by the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance. Pursuant to the aforementioned municipal ordinance sections 5-12-070 and 5-12-110, this serves a written notice of the following conditions, to wit:

(List of conditions here)

You are required to repair these issues within fourteen (14) days of receipt of this notice. If you fail to do so, I may exercise any of the following remedies allowed by law:

1) Repair the issues myself and deduct the amount of repair from the rent (make sure you keep receipts)
2) Withhold rent to reflect the value of the subject property given the damage present (this can be up to $500 or half the rent, whichever is LESS and it must be a REASONABLE amount)
3) Break my lease without penalty

Response to this notice and request for repairs should be made in writing.

Best Regards,

_____________________________

After you see that the letter is received (you can also send it with your rent and the cashing of your rent check will also prove receipt), you need to wait the 14 days to act. After the 14 days are up, send another notice, also certified mail, informing your landlord of the action you intend to take. This will protect you going forward if you landlord takes legal action against you. NEVER JUST STOP PAYING YOUR RENT.

Happy Renting,

Bonnie