No heat, water, electricity, or gas
These are essential services. If your landlord is responsible for the outage, you have faster remedies than for other repairs.
After you give written notice, you may choose one
- Restore the service yourself and deduct the cost from rent, with paid receipts.
- Sue for damages based on the reduced value of your unit.
- Find somewhere else to stay, and owe no rent for the days you couldn't live there.
- Demand the problem be fixed within 24 hours. If it isn't, withhold rent that reflects the reduced value of your unit.
Chicago's heat rules
- From September 15 through June 1, your unit must be at least 68°F from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Overnight, from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., it must be at least 66°F.
- Tell your landlord first. If nothing happens, call 311.
Tip: Write down the temperature, date, and time, and take a photo of a thermometer. The app's issue reports keep a timestamped record for you.
Source: Chicago Municipal Code 5-12-110(f); Chicago heat ordinance