Every landlord wants to rent to tenants who pay on time and do not damage property. Unfortunately, some tenants refuse to pay on time and you must therefore evict them. After the eviction, tenants still owe money to the landlord. Read on to find out how landlord and tenant law Chicago can help you recover unpaid rent.
Use the Security Deposit
When you rent an apartment, the landlord asks for a security deposit and the last month’s rent. The security deposit covers damage to the property, unpaid rent and any other unmet conditions of the lease. If the security deposit is not enough to cover the unpaid rent, then you will have to sue the tenant in small claims court.
Request a Money Judgement
It helps to check landlord and tenant law Chicago guidelines before filing your claim. When you make your initial eviction complaint, you must request a money judgment to recover the remaining unpaid rent. If you win the judgment, then the tenant is legally required to pay everything owed plus interest.
Wage Garnishment
After the judgment, the tenant may still not want to pay. Winning your judgment allows you to garnish the tenant’s bank accounts and wages. You can also take the judgment and submit it to credit reporting agencies. This information is put on the tenant’s credit report.
If you have a difficult tenant, then you need to contact Starr, Bejgiert, Zink & Rowells. They can help you form a plan for the next steps to take.
