P.

5
Letter When There is a Problem with
Sample Letter When There is a Problem With Essential Services
(Heat, Hot &Essential Services
Cold Water, Gas, Electricity, Plumbing)
Can only be used by residents of buildings covered by the Chicago
Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance

__________________date

_________________________(Landlord
_________________________ name &
_________________________address)

Dear _____________________________

This notice is to inform you of a serious problem in my apartment. Since,

____________________ I have been without and/or lacking sufficient [state here exact
problem and the part of apartment effected by problem.] I would like you to correct this
problem immediately so that I might enjoy the full use of my apartment.

I have notified ________________________about the heat problem by telephone, but I

am presenting this 24 hour notice in writing in order to exercise my rights under the Chicago
Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance, specifically Section 5-12-110(f). Under the
Ordinance, I have the right, among others, to obtain substitute services and deduct the cost
from my next months rent and, also to withhold from the monthly rent an amount that
reasonably reflects the reduced value of my apartment if problem is not fixed within 24 hours
of receipt of this notice. I regard this problem to be a serious health and safety problem that
cannot continue; if you do not remedy this problem immediately, I will take appropriate action.

Please inform me as to how you intend to correct this problem. I can be contacted at

___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________

Sincerely,

cc: Metropolitan Tenants Organization

Remember to make copies and send by certified mail.

Sample letter published by the Metropolitan Tenants Organization,1180 N. Milwaukee Ave,Chicago, IL 60622, (773) 292-4988