“Keep Chicago Renting” ordinance comes before Chicago City Council today

kcroIn the wake of the report issued by Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing indicating that crime has increased in vacant lots and buildings, the Housing Committee of the Chicago City Council plans to conduct a hearing and possibly vote on the “Keep Chicago Renting” ordinance today (Mayday).  Originally introduced in July of last year, the ordinance has been kicking around for about a year in various forms.  In its current form, the City proposes that banks or other entities that take title to foreclosed real estate at a foreclosure auction must pay (yes, you read that right) tenants who are forced to vacate the premises or offer them leases with rent restrictions.

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Illinois property owners still being scammed

rental scamsIt is bold.  It is outrageous.  It is unbelievable.  Back in May of 2011, I wrote about the rise in scams against landlords.  Those scams seem not to have abated in the time since then.  Based on the phonecalls our office receives, these scams are still occurring in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.  The scams target owners with vacant property.

The scam works like this. 

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Keep Chicago Renting Ordinance Text

We have obtained the text of the recently introduced “Keep Chicago Renting” Ordinance that would protect a tenant’s right to remain in a rental unit after a foreclosure.  A number of aldermen and the Cook County Sheriff are in support of the proposed ordinance.  The law would effectively turn foreclosing banks into landlords.  The problems … Read more