Tenant Resource

Rights, Responsibilities, and Mutual Respect.

A lease is a contract. A home is a relationship.

At Drexel Properties, we don’t look at housing as “us vs. you.” We look at it as a partnership: we provide a well-maintained home, you help create a respectful community, and we both communicate early and clearly when something needs attention.

We fully comply with the City of Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). We follow it not just because we have to, but because it’s the right way to treat people. We also provide the required RLTO Summary with leases and renewals so residents can easily understand Chicago tenant rights and responsibilities without needing a law degree.

This page is a “handbook for a happy home.” It’s here to help you feel protected, informed, and respected.

Your Rights (Our Promise to You)

This is what you can expect from us, always.

A habitable home

You deserve a safe, sanitary, and structurally sound apartment. If something affects habitability, we take it seriously and we act.

Privacy and respectful entry

Your home is your space. When we need access for repairs, inspections, or showings, we will:

Provide at least two days’ notice (48 hours) before entering, except for true emergencies or rare “practical necessity” situations.
Enter only at reasonable times. In Chicago, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM is presumed reasonable.
Never abuse access or use entry to pressure or harass.

Emergencies happen (fire, active leaks, serious safety issues). If an emergency requires entry without notice, we will notify you afterward as required.

(If you’re searching for “landlord entry notice Chicago,” this is the section you’re looking for.)

Heat and comfort during Chicago winters

Chicago winters are no joke, and your home should be a refuge.

We adhere strictly to the Chicago Heat Ordinance season, September 15 through June 1, and the City’s minimum temperature requirements:

At least 68°F from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
At least 66°F from 10:30 PM to 8:30 AM

(If you’re searching for “Chicago heat ordinance,” this is the standard we follow.)

Financial transparency

We aim to keep move-in simple and straightforward.

We typically use Move-In Fees (non-refundable) rather than Security Deposits to streamline move-in and reduce confusion.
If a specific lease does include a Security Deposit, we follow all RLTO rules, including proper handling, interest requirements, and timely return. The RLTO requires security deposits (and required interest) be returned within 45 days after move-out, with an itemized damage statement provided within 30 days if deductions are made.

(If you’re searching for “RLTO summary” or “Chicago tenant rights” around deposits, this is a key part of it.)

Timely repairs and responsive maintenance

You have the right to a maintenance process that is clear and responsive. The fastest way to get help is to submit a request through our Maintenance Request page.

If something is urgent (heat out during the heat season, an active leak, a safety issue), please report it immediately.

Your Responsibilities (Your Promise to the Community)

This is how we protect a peaceful, well-cared-for building for everyone.

Pay rent on time

On-time rent is the foundation of the rental agreement. It allows us to maintain the building, respond quickly to repairs, and keep standards high.

If you hit a snag, communicate early. “Early and honest” almost always creates more options than “late and silent.”

Care for your home

A well-cared-for unit helps prevent problems for you and your neighbors.

Keep the home reasonably clean to prevent pests.
Use fixtures and appliances normally, and avoid anything that could cause damage.

See something, say something

This one protects everyone.

If you notice a leak, moisture, electrical issue, or anything that could grow into a bigger problem, report it immediately. Ignoring a leak that spreads and damages the building isn’t just “bad luck.” It’s preventable harm, and it’s not fair to your neighbors.

Quiet enjoyment

We value a peaceful Tenancy. Being a good neighbor means respecting the “quiet enjoyment” of others.

We take noise concerns seriously because everyone deserves rest, focus, and comfort at home. If something is bothering you, we encourage you to communicate calmly and early. Most situations are solved faster with a simple, respectful heads-up.

Guests, pets, and fairness to neighbors

You are responsible for the behavior of your guests and anyone you allow into the building.

Unauthorized occupants create safety, wear-and-tear, and fairness issues for neighbors who follow the rules.
Unauthorized pets can also create allergy, noise, and property concerns.

These guidelines aren’t about policing. They’re about consistency and community standards so everyone can enjoy the building.

Common Questions (The Gray Areas)

We try to be reasonable. Here’s how we generally handle the most common questions.

Can I mount a TV or hang art?

Yes. We want you to make it your home.

Small nail holes for art and properly installed TV mounts are typically fine. Please avoid excessive holes, shortcuts, or unsafe mounting that could damage walls or create hazards.

Painting is different. Painting requires prior written approval, and you may be required to prime it back before move-out so the next resident starts with a clean slate.

What about subletting?

Life happens. If you need to move before your lease ends, Chicago’s RLTO requires landlords to accept a reasonable sublease proposed by the tenant, and not to charge additional fees for that sublease.

Our process is simple:

Contact us first.
We will screen the proposed subtenant using the same objective standards we use for all applicants (safety and building fit matter).
We will work with you to document everything clearly so everyone is protected.

Why do you require renter’s insurance?

Our insurance covers the building itself. It does not cover your personal belongings or personal liability.

That’s why renter’s insurance is required. It protects you if something is stolen or damaged, and it protects you if an accident in your unit affects someone else. We require $100,000 in liability coverage because it’s a practical baseline for real-life situations.

Resources

If you want the official sources, here they are:

Small note: This page is meant to be helpful but is not legal advice. For legal definitions and remedies, always refer to the official ordinance text.

If you ever have a question about what’s allowed, what’s expected, or how to handle a situation fairly, reach out. Clear communication is how good homes stay good.n.