SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—(ENEWPSF)—March 21, 2014. On Wednesday, State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, chairman of the House Cities and Villages Committee, passed legislation aimed at increasing safety at rental properties out of the House.
"When landlords and apartment managers know that criminal activity is occurring on their property, they should have the ability to address the issues," DeLuca said. "This bill makes it easier for property owners to remove tenants, while preserving the rights of tenants, including the ability to cure their eviction."
DeLuca sponsored House Bill 1532 to allow landlords to terminate leases with individuals repeatedly involved in criminal behavior on their rental property. Before a lease may be broken, the tenant or a guest must create a disruption to the complex on three separate occasions during a 60-day period that results in an arrest or a citation being issued from police. Criminal actions that qualify under include felony or Class A misdemeanors and violating local ordinances regarding gambling, noise, trespassing and other disturbances.
After three instances have occurred, landlord can begin the eviction process. The legislation will require a court hearing within 14 days to protect tenants’ rights and ensure all of the proper procedures have been followed. The law also creates exceptions to protect victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking from eviction.
"Everyone deserves to live in a community free of violence and other disruptions," DeLuca said. "Local authorities work hard to ensure the safety of those living in our community, but often their hands are tied when it comes to removing destructive or disruptive residents from rental complexes. This legislation will give landlords additional tools and resources they need to increase safety at their properties, but also puts in place a procedure for tenants to appeal the decision to the courts."
House Bill 1532 was recently passed in the House and now goes to the Senate for further consideration. For more information or state-related questions, please contact DeLuca’s full-time constituent service office at 708-754-7900 or email [email protected]
