Will i hv to pay current landlord any rent after i move? i withheld rent for 3 mo's cuz he won't fix anything.

i'm moving because of the current problems i have with my, come to find out, slumlord. there is carbon monoxide omitting from my gas heater,so i'm without heat, (it's 55 degrees in the apt) i fell through the step on the back porch, and now the smell from basements "mold" is finding it's way up to the second floor through the pipes? i called the city of chicago mayor's office who sent inspectors to inspect. well, come to find out i'm in an illegal 3 flat. (should be a single family home) the inspector's sign posted denies access to my back porch, my second exit. i also found out that i would have to move eventually, because i'm in a single family home turned 3 flat. my first time slumlord, not sure if i'll be responsible for rent later on. he is however keeping my security deposit. will i be sued? do i need to pay rent?

i should add that i have no lease. and the other 2 apt's are vacant. last 1st flr tenant moved recently for similiar reasons.

From the sound of it, your slumlord is too lazy to report you to credit or sue you. The fact that it's illegal also puts you in a pretty good position to put it all behind you. Unfortunately, human beings aren't always predictable. The only way to make sure you don't get sued or have non-payment reported to credit is to put your concerns in writing. If you didn't, then it never happened. This way, you can sue the slumlord later or have the negatives removed from credit if you are reported.

I'd like to add that having proof of withholding rent doesn't mean squat. In many jurisdictions, you have to deposit the withheld amount with the court or you are a non-payer and can be reported to credit. Also, I don't get why people always say talk to a lawyer. Unless you're going into serious litigation or are accused of a crime, you can handle issues such as these, yourself, with a little common sense, organization and work ethic.

After reading Mary B's answer, I'd also like to re-emphasize the WORK ETHIC portion of my answer. Do your research. She's talking about a landlord being registered with the municipality, but there are exceptions. It sounds like a two level house with an attic and the landlord lives on one level. Actually, in most jurisdictions and for such a dwelling, the landlord does not have to register.

It will go on your credit and haunt you for a long time. Pay the man and get the heck out of there.

Contact a lawyer, for very cheap they will send a letter to your landlord. If things are as bad as you say take pictures and keep all correspondance with your landlord. A house in that shape would be condemned and you can't rent a condemned house. You do have the option to sue the landlord.

I am NOT a lawyer so my information is opinion only. Go to your local library, HUD office, courthouse and get a copy of the landlord tenant act for your state to understand your rights. I would definetly contact your landlord with all of these details and let him know you would like a letter releasing you from your lease without any fees. Also let him know you will be contacting (list the lawyer's name who you will go to) if you do not get satisfaction.

Take a look at www.networthopportunity.com and email me back with any questions. I think it will knock your socks off.

You need to make sure that you get pictures of all the problems that are visible and not fixed. Also, get a copy of the inspector's report. Get a written statement from anyone who has been a witness and willing to sign a statement to that affect or testify on your behalf. Then if he takes you to court, you have proof of neglect on the building. You have renter's rights and by law can withold rent if he doesn't fix things that are unsafe. He could also be made to pay you your deposit back. That will depend on the judge.

Best of luck to you!
Bonnie Ramsey

Unless you have legal permission from the court to deposit rental payments into an escrow account you DO NOT have the legal right to withhold rent.

You cannot legally resort to self-help measures.

However, on the flip ide, you need to go to court because I have learned in some municipalities and in major cities that if they don't have an apartment certificate for rental, the landlord cannot charge ANY rent for an illegal apartment.

That is why you need to file to see what applies in Chicago.

get pics, go to court..you shouldnt pay and there are some cases where you can sue for you money back

If it is an illegal place with no certificate of tenancy, then you're not legally bound to pay rent.