Renter Stories

It is easy to take for granted the powerful role that home plays in our daily lives. Housing stability is connected to better health, better education, and social and mental wellness that nurture success and a sense of well‑being. Right now, right here in Chicago, thousands of families are struggling with housing issues. We invite you to read some of our renters’ stories that show how LCBH and your support have benefited their lives and our communities. We know you appreciate how important having a safe and stable home is to thriving in our lives and in our communities.

In the Case of Occupants Known

Amanda and George Fullerton have lived in Chicago all their lives. They had recently moved into a three-bedroom apartment, which costs $850 a month, on the Southside of the city with their adult daughter. George Fullerton makes a modest living as a truck driver and is the sole breadwinner for his family (his wife and daughter are not employed). The family lived peacefully in their home and paid their rent on time. This spring Mrs. Fullerton came to LCBH with a pending eviction case. She was confused, because she had recently paid rent and was unsure of why this case was being filed.

Edna’s Ordeal Ends Well with LCBH at Her Side

Edna is a funny, vibrant single mother of three small children. For five years she provided a wonderful home for her family in a building where she a great relationship with her landlord and property manager. Having a stable, decent and affordable place to call home gave her a lot of comfort and gave her the ability to focus on her job and her kids. She was looking forward to many more years in a neighborhood she loved and in a school that was great for her kids. That is until one day, it all changed – her landlord lost the building, including her home, to foreclosure.

Foreclosure - A Renter's Story

After finding out the apartment she had called home for over 10 years had gone into foreclosure, Mars Caulton called the LCBH Tenants in Foreclosure Helpline for assistance.

Working Together with Betty

Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) helps preserve the vitality and affordability of Chicago’s neighborhoods. The attorneys and staff at LCBH work with community partners to ensure those affected by unfair evictions, deplorable living conditions or foreclosure have viable and affordable housing options currently and in the future. The LCBH Supportive Services team is available for the most vulnerable LCBH clients and their families to avoid homelessness and achieve stable housing.

Foreclosure: a Renter’s Perspective

Following is a recent letter from a client describing her experiences living in a recently foreclosed apartment building and dealing with the new bank owners. Her words resonate in a way that ours cannot. We wanted to share her letter with you, as your support is what makes our interventions in these situations possible. Thank you!

I, and most of the tenants in my bank-owned building, would have given up our rights out of frustration and fear if it were not for the services of Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing.

Learn More About The Issues

Apartment / Building Conditions
Your landlord has the responsibility of maintaining the building in compliance with building, health and safety codes.
Eviction
If your landlord wants to remove you from your home, s/he must follow the law.
Housing Discrimination
Fair Housing: It’s not an option, it’s the law!
Illegal Lockouts
Your landlord may not forcibly remove you from your apartment.
Landlord Retaliation
Renters have protections against retaliatory landlords.
Security Deposits
Security deposits may be used only for damages that make an apartment un-rentable.
Tenants in Foreclosure
Foreclosure doesn’t mean “Get out now!” If you are renting an apartment, house or condo that is in foreclosure, you have rights.
Utilities / Essential Services
Denying essential services such as heat, water, or electricity is wrong and may pose serious health and safety risks.