Evanston
Cook County
Evanston’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance establishes clear rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants, partnering with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization and the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing to provide education, dispute resolution, and eviction prevention services.
Background
Evanston officials wanted to maintain a quality supply of rental housing in the city, as well as ensure the rights of both tenants and landlords were understood and upheld. Consequently, in 1975, the City established the Landlord/Tenant Ordinance to educate both partners of their individual obligations. The ordinance was created and presented to the City Council by the Tenants Organization, a local tenant advocacy group.
How It Works
The Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance addresses requirements including the components of a lease, security deposit procedures, maintenance and upkeep of dwelling units, responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, lead disclosure requirements, rent payment default procedures, and property abandonment procedures.
The City partners with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO) and the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) to provide advice to renters and landlords needing assistance with landlord-tenant issues. MTO handles approximately 25 to 30 cases per month from both tenants and landlords, and provides at least two trainings each year, and the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing assists low-income tenants facing eviction or illegal lockouts to avoid displacement. Both MTO and LCBH worked with the City to update its ordinance to include changes such as requiring application and other fees to be based on actual costs, increasing the notice period for non-renewal of a lease to 90 days, and limiting the amount of late fees to $50 or 5% of the rent, whichever is lower.
The ordinance and related services provided by MTO and LCBH foster positive relations between landlords and tenants. The City handles between 300 and 400 complaints each year.
Goal
To make clear the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
Target
All landlords and tenants of rental properties in Evanston.
Success
Offering training for landlords and tenants is a critical component of the success of this ordinance.
Lessons Learned
Offering training for landlords and tenants is a critical component of the success of this ordinance.
Public Involvement
The Evanston Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance was initiated in large part by the Tenants Organization. While local landlords originally opposed the implementation of the ordinance, there was enough community support to pass it.
Contact Information
City of Evanston Community Development Department, www.cityofevanston.org
This case study was last updated in February 2026.
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