1. What does Section 5-12-180 of the Chicago RLTO cover?

Section 5-12-180 establishes that in most cases arising under the Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance, the prevailing plaintiff — whether a landlord or a tenant — is entitled to recover all court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees from the opposing party if they prevail in a lawsuit based on rights or remedies under the ordinance.

2. Does this attorney-fee provision apply in eviction (forcible entry and detainer) cases?

No. Section 5-12-180 does not apply to forcible entry and detainer actions (formal eviction proceedings). Those cases follow other applicable law for attorney fees, and this provision does not limit what those laws may already provide.

3. Who qualifies as the “prevailing plaintiff” under this section?

The “prevailing plaintiff” is the party who successfully enforces their rights or remedies under the RLTO in court. That means if you bring a claim under the ordinance and win, you are generally entitled to recover court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees from the other side.

Chicago Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance

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