Landlord-Tenant Matters
Evictions ("Forcible Entry and Detainer Lawsuits")
A forcible entry and detainer lawsuit can be brought by a landlord or management company (on behalf of the landlord) when a tenant refuses to leave the property after appropriate notice. Reasons may include failure to pay rent, other violations of the lease, illegal activities, or remaining on the property after expiration of the lease (a "holdover tenant"). Illinois and Chicago require very specific procedures to be followed in order to evict a tenant. Failure to follow these procedures correctly the first time can be extremely costly and time-consuming.
Johnson and Sullivan Ltd. has more experience with forcible entry and detainer lawsuits than almost any firm in Chicago. We have developed the knowledge and experience necessary to process evictions quickly, efficiently, and without costly errors. We work with landlords and property management companies to achieve their specific goals with regard to each defaulting tenant, whether that goal is recovery of past due rent or merely immediate possession of the property. We are fast, efficient, and cost-effective. Contact us for a comparison of our fees and performance history with that of our competitors. You will see that when it comes to evictions, Johnson and Sullivan Ltd. is the clear choice for zealous, affordable representation.
Residential and Commercial Lease Disputes
Are you purchasing a house or condo and need to get out of your lease? Whether you need to end your lease early or extend it for additional months, you may have options available. We will review your lease and advise you as to possible courses of action. Our attorneys have experience negotiating with landlords and property management companies to modify or terminate leases. These types of dispute nearly always settle without going to court and can be as simple as a single letter to your landlord.
Are you a landlord or property management company with a "problem tenant?" Besides failing to pay rent, tenants often violate their lease in other ways or engage in activities on your property that may be annoying to other residents or even illegal. Johnson and Sullivan Ltd. can advise you of your rights and responsibilities under the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance and other applicable law. These situations can easily escalate or drag on for months or even years. We provide experience and legal advice to help you reach a resolution to your problem in the most efficient, cost-effective manner.
Commercial and Retail Leasing Negotiation and Drafting
Our attorneys are experienced at drafting complex commercial and retail leases. We are skilled negotiators, and our landlord-tenant litigation experience informs the types of lease provisions we insist on for our clients. We lay the foundation for a solid landlord-tenant relationship for the duration of the lease, as well as preserving a landlord's rights in the event that a dispute arises.
Advice to Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Under Chicago and Illinois Law
Whether you are a first time landlord or manage hundreds of properties across Chicagoland, it is wise to keep apprised of your rights and responsibilities under the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance and the Illinois Landlord Tenant Act. Chicago and Illinois have very tenant-friendly laws, and failure to be aware of the responsibilities imposed on landlords can be extremely costly, including years' of rent, the inability to relet the property for an extended period of time, and having to pay multiple times the amount of the tenant's security deposit for failure to follow arcane rules you most likely have never considered.
Before you sign a lease, our attorneys can direct you on the proper procedure concerning acceptance and maintenance of security deposits, the implied warranty of habitability, and rules regarding access to the property and eviction of tenants.
Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinace ("RLTO")