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Class Action

(Past results are not guarantees of same results in your case)

          Some  cases settle before court.  All of them probably should.  Especially in Chicago, the law is so slanted in favor of tenants, and their attorneys, that dragging out a security deposit case can be expensive for landlords.  There are a lot of landlords with good intentions.  But the law is very strict.  This is why we usually send a landlord a copy of the complaint we intend to file in court before filing it, offering the landlord an opportunity to consult with their own lawyer and settle the matter before it is filed.  Some people still insist on a trial.  

          If a case cannot be settled then there has to be a trial (or mandatory arbitration).  Renters should be prepared to testify honestly and provide evidence related to their tenancy.  The

landlord who loses at trial in most cases must pay both damages and also the renter's court costs and attorney fees.  For example:

Return Act  + RLTO

Illegal Waiver

Water Shutoff

1 day late

Return Act

Owner Occupied            Dispute

Legal Lease Termination

Lease Break

$2.66 Underpaid

Unlawful Entries

Code Violations

Deposit Not Withheld Properly

	Sometimes many renters are part of class actions.  This makes sense when lots of people were subject to the same allegedly unlawful practice by the same landlord.  We have filed cases resulting in cash or rent-credit settlements for thousands of renters in Chicago and other towns around Illinois.
	Security Deposits Not Accounted For Right	Failure to Disclose Code Citations	Failure to Disclose Porch Safety Info	Failure to Disclose Interest Rates	Security Deposits Not Returned	Endangered Security Deposits

          In theory, renters who represent their class (1) do neighbors a favor, (2) motivate

    landlords to abide by the law, and (3) represent the rights of all Illinois renters.  

          Click HERE to fill out and submit a questionnaire for a free review of your tenancy situation.  Email to mark@depositlaw.com or call (312) 775-1015.