Evanston Hosts Tenant Resource Webinar As City Pushes For Renters Rights
Evanston officials hosted a Tenant Resource Webinar to educate renters about the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, which was amended in 2024 to strengthen tenant protections including fee disclosure and essential services requirements.
City Council Pushes For Stronger Tenant Protections Through Ordinance Updates
Evanston officials hosted a virtual Tenant Resource Webinar Thursday night, amid a city-wide push for tenants rights. Over the past two years, the city has pursued stronger tenant protection through initiatives like the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance and increased fines for landlords who violate the ordinance.
Philip DeVon, an attorney at the Metropolitan Tenants Organization, presented information to renters about tenants rights via Zoom. DeVons talk focused on the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, which he said governs all rights and responsibilities for tenants and landlords in the city.
The ordinance was most recently amended by City Council in 2024 to increase the required notice period for lease non-renewal, require fee disclosure and lift restrictions on tenant organizing.
DeVon urged residents to read their lease agreements before signing so they can properly understand the terms of their rentals.
We are all guilty of not wanting to read the fine print, DeVon said. These leases can be 67 pages, and the important stuff is usually in about three or four of those. Make sure you look through everything carefully.
Under the updated ordinance, landlords cannot charge fees that are in excess of the reasonable cost of the expense, and when charging a tenant an administrative fee, such as an application or move-in fee, the housing provider must give the tenant an itemized list of expenses.
Landlords are also now required to disclose whether they or their tenants pay utility costs, whether there have been any building code violations in the last year, or any threats by the city or the utility company to terminate utility services and other hazards, including lead or bedbugs.
The ordinance also now designates air conditioning and internet access as essential services, which landlords are required to supply.
DeVon also informed renters of their right to repair and reduct, meaning they can hire a professional to make necessary repairs and bill the landlord if the landlord is unable or unwilling to do so.
Evanston tenants can reach out to the city with questions or concerns through the Evanston Text-for-Help Line.
We are all guilty of not wanting to read the fine print, DeVon said.