My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: ILLINOIS
City of Chicago
My current issue is an extension of a neighbor dispute I had and sought advice in the following thread: https://www.expertlaw.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=213399
Today I went to pay my rent and my landlord refused to accept payment and instead asked that I clear the basement unit by the end of the month.
Since I did not want to deal anymore with intolerant neighbors I was going to start looking for a new place to leave as soon as possible. However, at this moment I am going through a job transition, which would negatively impact my chances of finding new housing and requested a few months. It seems like my landlord wants me to leave immediately since either my upstairs neighbors are blackmailing them with court orders to force me out or they simply just want to appease them.
In either case, I am currently facing an owner-occupied landlord who wants me out by the end of the month and no rental agreement to depend on for legal remedies. I live in Chicago and they tend to have friendlier tenants rights against landlords, but I can't seem to find anywhere in the municipal code that applies to my situation. I don't have a rental agreement, since they are new owners and I have been living month to month as I have for more than 10 years. Is it legal for them to ask me to leave by the end of the month, without even so much as a written notice? Also, I suspect this is a retaliatory since the unit plumbing is always breaking down and their half-ass attempts to fix it on their own does not work, so they might consider my complaints a nuisance.
The only leverage I think I have on my landlord is that fact that I am aware the basement I live in was built without permits, but before they were the owners. However, I believe the city would still request that they tear it down even if they don't plan on renting out to other tenants.
Does anybody think it is advisable to remind them of their legal obligations and liabilities? I am not a confrontational person, but I don't want to be railroaded by conspiring parties, before I have a chance to look for new housing. What other legal options do I have? I also don't want to them to move forward to evict me since I am not refusing to leave. I am only requesting adequate notice and courtesy. I always pay my rent on time and have never had issues with my landlords. So much, that I have always maintained excellent friendships long after, and whose advice on this matter I have also sought.
Thank you all in advance for your advice as well.
legally_interested

