New Crime Free Housing Ordinance in Pekin

 Posted on August 22, 2014 in Criminal Defense

A new housing ordinance was recently passed in the city of Pekin in an effort to help landlords address issues with problem tenants, as well as to deal with irresponsible landlords who ignore illegal activities that occur on their property. According to the new ordinance, renters in Pekin who commit crimes risk being kicked out of their rentals if they continue to engage in criminal behavior. Pekin is just one of several other communities in Illinois with similar ordinances.

Requirements

The new Crime Free Housing Ordinance requires a payment from landlords of $10, which will be used to help fund the program. The fee will reportedly help pay for educational classes and other costs associated with the program. It is not meant to generate a new funding source for the city. The fee will be a single fee per landlord, regardless of how many properties he or she owns. Other communities with similar ordinances charge landlords per housing unit.

The ordinance will also require landlords to attend a four-hour long seminar put on by the city. Its aim is to educate landlords on the new ordinance, give tips for screening rental unit applicants, and share information on state landlord-tenant laws as well as other relevant information. A copy of the ordinance must be attached to any future rental agreement and will apply to all crimes committed in the rental unit, on the lot of the unit, or in common areas of a complex. It will also include crimes committed by visitors while on the property.

In Effect

While the ordinance gives landlords some discretion to deal with offenses as they deem appropriate, it also gives them the tools they need to have good renters. The crime free ordinance allows the landlord to evict a tenant for any crime committed. According to the ordinance though, landlords will be notified by police if they have been called to an incident on their property for a criminal matter. The landlord must then address the issue with the tenant, either through eviction or by other means, or risk being fined anywhere from $250 to $750 for each unit per day the violation exists. After that, the landlord’s license to operate a rental property within the city can be suspended or revoked. The local police department said it plans on working with landlords to achieve compliance before revocation occurs.

Criminal Law Attorney

If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime, it is beneficial to discuss your case with an experienced Cook County criminal attorney who can protect your rights. The team of criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley have successfully represented clients in a variety of criminal matters. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case. Our office is located in Arlington Heights.