Guide to Using Letter Templates
These sample letter templates are intended as a resource for tenants to assert their legal rights as renters as defined by the Municipal Code of Chicago and Illinois State Law. Unsurprisingly, given the outsized influence of real estate and developers on the political system, there are loopholes and exceptions to the laws defining tenants’ rights which can make trying to assert our rights confusing, difficult, and frustrating. Below is a brief description of the four types of letter template we offer. Click through on each to read more about the laws they invoke, and the situations in which they can and cannot be applied, and to download the template.
Types of Letter
Repair and Reduction
This letter can be used when a landlord fails to adequately maintain the condition of the rental property.
Lack of Essential Services
This letter can be used when an apartment is lacking in one or more essential services: heat, water/plumbing, gas, and electricity.
Bedbugs
This letter can be used when a tenant has reason to believe that there are bedbugs present in their unit.
Security Deposit
This letter can be used when a landlord fails to return a security deposit.
Disclaimer:
Autonomous Tenants Union is not a legal aid organization. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.