Small landlords are the backbone of affordable housing in Chicago and Cook County. Mom-and-pop property owners provide nearly half of all rental housing in our region, yet current laws put their entire life savings at risk while enabling professional tenants to exploit the system. It's time for balanced reform that protects both tenants AND property owners.

THE FACTS
⚠ FACT #1: Evictions Take 4-10 Months on Average

From initial non-payment to actual tenant removal, the eviction process in Chicago averages 4-10 months
Cook County's Early Resolution Program adds an additional 6 weeks to 2+ months to the timeline
Tenants can receive stays for health or age reasons, adding 1-2 more months
Result: Small landlords lose $10,000-$25,000 in unpaid rent and legal fees per case

⚠ FACT #2: Small Landlords Own Half of All Rentals

Buildings with fewer than 5 units account for approximately 50% of all rental housing
Over 70% of 1-4 unit properties are owned by individual landlords, not corporations
These mom-and-pop landlords typically own just 1-2 units, often living in one themselves
Result: When we lose small landlords, we lose affordable housing

⚠ FACT #3: Professional Tenants Game the System

Bad actors move from property to property, never paying rent
They exploit every delay tactic to live rent-free for 6-12 months during eviction proceedings
Property managers report seeing the same individuals repeatedly with histories of evictions and unpaid utilities
Result: Honest tenants pay higher rents to cover landlords' losses from professional tenants

⚠ FACT #4: Current Laws Increase Rental Costs

Landlords must build risk premiums into rent prices to cover potential losses from non-paying tenants
Higher screening costs and stricter tenant criteria make it harder for marginalized renters to find housing
Small landlords are selling their properties, reducing the supply of affordable rental units
Result: The very people tenant laws aim to protect can't afford to rent

⚠ FACT #5: Small Landlords Face Financial Ruin

Small landlords must continue paying mortgages, taxes, and insurance without rental income
Most don't have the reserves to absorb 6-10 months of lost rent
A single bad tenant can force a small landlord into foreclosure, wiping out their life savings
Result: Families lose their retirement investments and generational wealth

⚠ FACT #6: Screening Restrictions Create Vulnerability

Cook County's Just Housing Amendment limits landlords' ability to review criminal and eviction histories
While well-intentioned, these restrictions make it harder to identify professional tenants
Landlords can't categorically reject applicants with eviction histories, even serial offenders
Result: Bad actors exploit screening limitations to access new properties
 

BY THE NUMBERS
The Economic Reality of Small Landlord Losses:

  Average monthly rent (2-bedroom) $1,500
Lost rent (6 months minimum) $9,000
Court costs, sheriff fees, attorney $1,000 - $2,000
Property damage (typical) $2,000 - $5,000
TOTAL MINIMUM LOSS $12,000 - $16,000

For 10-month eviction
$20,000 - $25,000

For a small landlord with one or two rental units, this represents their entire annual income and can lead to foreclosure.

WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE
We demand fair and balanced reforms that protect BOTH tenants and property owners:

30-Day Expedited Eviction for Documented Non-Payment
When rent is unpaid and there are no habitability defenses, landlords should be able to regain possession within 30 days. Maintain full protections for tenants with legitimate claims.

Allow Consideration of Rental History
Landlords should be able to review verified rental payment history and eviction records from the past 3-5 years to identify serial non-payers and protect their investment.

Increase Security Deposit Limits to 2x Monthly Rent
Current 1.5x limits don't adequately protect landlords from property damage. Increasing to 2x provides better security while maintaining interest and return requirements.

Small Landlord Exemptions and Support
Owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units should have modified requirements. Establish a hardship fund and legal assistance for small landlords facing extended evictions.

Consequences for Professional Tenants
Create a database of serial evaders and allow rental payment history reporting to credit bureaus to deter professional tenant behavior and reward responsible renters.

WHY THESE REFORMS HELP EVERYONE
✓ Lower Rents for All Tenants
When landlords face less risk, they can charge lower rents. The risk premium currently built into rental prices can be reduced by 10-15%, making housing more affordable.

✓ More Affordable Housing Options
Protecting small landlords keeps them in the market. These mom-and-pop owners provide the majority of affordable, unsubsidized housing in Chicago's neighborhoods.

✓ Preservation of Minority Wealth
Small rental properties are critical wealth-building tools for Black and Latino families. Protecting these owners preserves intergenerational wealth in communities of color.

✓ Better Housing Quality
When landlords can operate profitably, they can afford to maintain and improve their properties. Financial distress leads to deferred maintenance and deteriorating housing stock.

✓ Protection for Good Tenants
These reforms protect responsible tenants by ensuring their landlords remain financially viable. When small landlords are forced out, tenants lose affordable housing options.

SIGN THE PETITION
I support balanced housing reform in Chicago and Cook County that protects both tenant rights and property owner rights. I call on the Illinois General Assembly and Cook County Board of Commissioners to enact the reforms outlined in this petition.