Chicago Condo Conversion Developers May Have to Provide Relocation Assistance

Do you qualify for relocation assistance from your landlord?  You may, if you meet the following criteria established by Section 13-72-060(F) of a new ordinance governing Chicago developers:

1)   Your landlord is converting the property to condominium and recording the condominium declaration on or after July 30, 2012.
2)   You have a lease or other rental agreement to occupy your unit.
3)   The unit is your primary residence.
4)   Your household income is not greater than 120% of median income for the “Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Illinois Metropolitan Fair Market Rental Area”, and you can provide written evidence of your household income. 
5)   You are not buying your unit, or any unit, in the condominium conversion.
6)   Your landlord has not obtained an order of possession for your unit against you. 

If you meet these criteria, you may qualify for a flat relocation fee of $1,500.  If your rent exceeds $1,500, your relocation fee will be higher (up to your highest monthly rent amount), but not exceeding $2,500.  A landlord may not enter into a lease with you which waives this relocation fee; if he does, that portion of the lease will be unenforceable.  Furthermore, the fee, minus unpaid rent, must be paid to you within seven days after you completely vacate your unit.