Landlord/Tenant Attorneys in DuPage County, Illinois

Landlord-tenant disputes are an unfortunate but often inevitable part of dealing with rental property. These disputes arise daily throughout Illinois, and the reasons for them are practically endless – from non–payment of rent to various lease violation claims. 

At Donna Craft Cain PC, we understand that landlord-tenant disputes can be emotionally charged and stressful, regardless of whether you are a landlord or a tenant. That’s why we strive to provide dependable and calming legal representation to make you feel understood, safe, and supported every step of the way. Our landlord/tenant attorneys in DuPage County, Illinois, help clients achieve timely resolutions that best fit their situation, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.  

What Landlord/Tenant Cases Do We Handle? 

At Donna Craft Cain PC, our real estate lawyers represent both landlords and tenants in a variety of matters, including evictions, rent payment issues, security deposit disputes, breach of lease agreement claims, rental discrimination, safety and health issues, and many others.  

No matter what side of the dispute you are on, our DuPage County landlord/tenant attorney can help you bring or defend cases concerning the following:  

• Breach of lease 

• Non-payment of rent 

• Late payment of rent 

• Holdover tenant 

• Rent escrow 

• Security deposit 

• Eviction 

• Illegal activities on the rental property 

• Personal injuries on the rental property 

• Damage to rental property 

• Breach of quiet enjoyment or warrant of habitability  

Our attorneys have a deep understanding of how the landlord/tenant laws work in Illinois and can advise you on all available options for resolving your matter.

While we always strive to minimize conflict and resolve disputes between landlord and tenants outside of the courtroom, we also have vast litigation experience and are prepared to go to court when necessary.  

We Represent Both Landlords and Tenants 

While many law firms focus their practice on either landlords or tenants exclusively, we choose to represent both. This allows us to bring a balanced perspective and understand each side’s objectives and concerns to guide our clients to a mutually acceptable resolution. This also allows us to anticipate the strategies and arguments raised by the opposing party to counter them effectively.  

The ability of our law firm to advocate for either side in landlord-tenant disputes has earned us a reputation as a trusted ally among both landlords and tenants in DuPage County, Illinois, and surrounding area.  

The fact that we can explain to our client the other party’s perspective allows us to resolve disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner, which is every client’s priority. No one wants to engage in legal battles for months or years on end or lose hard-earned money that could have been used somewhere else.  

What Are the Most Common Types of Landlord-Tenant Disputes? 

Disputes between landlords and tenants are not uncommon and can lead to tensions, legal battles, and financial losses. Our DuPage County landlord/tenant lawyers at Donna Craft Cain PC has handled a variety of conflicts that can escalate quickly and get out of control if not addressed promptly.  

Some common types of these disputes include: 

• Eviction proceedings. When a tenant fails to comply with the lease terms, whether by not paying rent or violating other conditions, landlords often resort to eviction. The eviction process is heavily regulated, with strict legal procedures that need to be followed. Any misstep by either party can result in delays, additional costs, or even the dismissal of the eviction case. Tenants may contest eviction on grounds such as improper notice, retaliation, or discrimination, adding layers of complexity to the process. 

• Security deposit disputes. At the end of a tenancy, disagreements often arise over the return of the security deposit. Landlords may deduct amounts for cleaning, repairs, or unpaid rent. However, tenants may argue that the deductions are excessive or unjustified. Clear communication and documentation from the start, including a detailed move-in inspection report, can mitigate many of these disputes.  

• Maintenance and repair issues. Tenants expect their living environment to be safe, healthy, and well-maintained. Landlords are legally obligated to ensure the property meets habitability standards by performing necessary repairs promptly. Disputes often occur when tenants feel that their repair requests are ignored or inadequately addressed. On the other hand, landlords may face challenges if tenants fail to report issues timely or cause damage due to neglect or misuse.  

• Lease violations. These violations can include living with unauthorized pets, subletting without permission, or engaging in illegal activities on the premises. Any lease violations can lead to eviction and other legal actions. Both landlords and tenants must understand and adhere to the lease terms to maintain a harmonious relationship. Regular communication and periodic inspections can help identify and resolve potential violations before they escalate. 

• Early termination of tenancy. Tenants may need to break their lease due to unforeseen circumstances such as job relocation or personal emergencies. Meanwhile, landlords may seek to enforce the lease terms or claim compensation for lost rent. Clear termination clauses in the lease, outlining the conditions and consequences of early termination, can provide guidance and reduce conflicts.  

• Delay in rent payment or non-payment. Financial difficulties, job loss, or unexpected expenses can lead tenants to miss rent payments, creating tensions with landlords who rely on timely payments to cover property expenses. Open communication and a willingness to work together can often lead to amicable solutions. 

• Housing discrimination. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability is illegal under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords must ensure that their rental practices comply with these regulations and that all prospective and current tenants are treated fairly. Tenants who believe they have been discriminated against can file complaints with relevant authorities, leading to investigations and potential legal actions.  

In each of these scenarios, having legal counsel can be critical. At Donna Craft Cain PC, we don’t just offer you our legal advice. Our Illinois landlord/tenant attorneyS will walk you through every step of your dispute to ensure that your voice is heard and your best interests are served.