Resources

Local Housing Laws 

Some municipalities and counties have local laws which govern the rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords. They provide important information for renters facing housing issues.  

Cook County: You can find the full text of the Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) here. Summaries of the RTLO are available in English, Spanish, and Polish. The Cook County website provides an overview of the RTLO and other important information about renting in Cook County. 

Evanston: You can find the full text of the Evanston Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) here. You can find a summary of the RLTO and Evanston renter and landlord rights and responsibilities on Evanston’s Landlord and Tenant Resources page in English and in Spanish. 

Mount Prospect: You can find the full text of Mount Prospect Residential Landlord and Tenant Regulations of the Village Code (Article XVIII) here. Summaries of the law are available in English and in Spanish. For more information, visit the Village of Mount Prospect’s Rental Housing and Licensing page. 

Rental Assistance 

If you are behind on rent, you may be eligible to receive rental assistance.  Rental assistance funds are sometimes available through your city or township or local social service agencies.  If you are in eviction proceedings, you may be eligible for court-based rental assistance. Learn more about the 2024 Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program HERE.

Please note that North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic does NOT distribute rental assistance funds.