Re: tenant not paying rent first month

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On 9/18/07, MJ wrote:
> You cannot change the locks and put their possessions in
> storage. If you do follow through with this, you may have a
> claim filed against you.
>
> You must deliver them a demand for payment, in writing. If
> they fail to respond, file a dispossessory affidavit in
> magistrate's court. Then let it run through the system.
>
> Let the courts handle the matter, and then if necessary law
> enforcement.
>
In Chicago this couldn't be better advice. The landlord who
changes tenants' locks on his own without authority of law,
and without the tenants having willfully abandoned the place
and not paid rent, can be criminally charged and fined and owe
the tenant exemplary damages and attorney fees and court
costs. Seems unfair, but let the sheriff handle it.

Chicago Security Deposit Laws