List Only

Does Chicago landlord RLTO cover air conditioning?

I just moved to Chicago in February. Went through an apartment finder company to find a place. The apartment is great and I love it! One problem, though. The listing stated that there is central air conditioning, and when I went to use it last week, it did not work. Talked to the neighbors downstairs and they said that there isn't even an AC unit in the building. Apparently, when they were getting ready to install, it was stolen out of the alley. The landlord never bought another one. What is my recourse? The lease does not specify that the apartment has AC, but it does say all appliances and finishes. The listing for the apartment specifically says it though. I really want to stay here, I just want the landlord to provide AC like it is supposed to have. Am I legally able to withhold rent under Chicago RLTO? Is $75-$100 too much? I pay $1500/mo. The other two tenants say that they have sent him certified letters and he has not answered them. It is going to get very warm soon, and I want to get the situation rectified ASAP!

Public Comments

1. you can sue him in small claims court for false advertising, but he can counter that it was the apartment finder compnaies error, not his.