Illinois Renters' Rights Enforced by Class Action

     The tenant moved in a month before this 300-unit Schaumburg apartment complex was sold.  She gave the old owners a $929 security deposit.  Then they sold the place.

     In March, 2007, the complex was sold by Schaumburg Village, LLC to new owners IK Apartments, LLC.  Some sources on the internet say the name of these apartments is "Grand Vista of Schaumburg".  To others it's Schaumburg Villas.  Either way, they're alleged to have been bad.

     Allegedly, interest was not paid within 30 days from the end of the tenant's 12-month rental period, or ever.   The tenant's security deposit was also allegedly withheld after move-out without any written explanation.  No deposit has ever been returned. 

     One might speculate that the new landlords felt they were not responsible for tenants' security deposits given to the old owners.  But under Section 710/1.1 of the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act,  "Transferee liability," both the old landlord and new landlord are responsible for the tenant's security deposit.

     The tenant engaged Prepaid legal to send a demand letter to her landlord.  The landlord ignored the letter. 

     Then tenant found DepositLaw and brought their claims under the Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act and under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.    The tenant filed on behalf of herself and other tenants similarly treated at the apartments.  The tenant's complaint seeks damages equal to three-times the deposit plus return of the full deposit plus interest, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees. 

     The case still pends.  If you have information about security deposit refunds or interest at Schaumburg Villas Apartments or IK Apartments, contact mark@depositlaw.com.