Protecting Safe Buildings and Good Neighbors

Every resident in Chicago deserves a safe, quiet, and secure home. For mom-and-pop providers—especially those living on the top floor of a two-flat with their family—tenant safety is personal. Housing providers actively want to retain and renew good tenants who respect their neighbors and care for their living spaces.

However, the "Just Cause" eviction provisions embedded within the PRO ordinance fundamentally compromise community safety. By severely restricting non-renewals, the ordinance forces housing providers to renew leases even for disruptive individuals who disturb neighbors, damage property, or engage in illicit behavior.

Under the proposed rules, resolving these conflicts requires navigating a backlogged Housing Court system where legal resolution can take months. Alternatively, owners must pay problematic tenants up to 10 months of rent just to persuade them to leave. This framework leaves responsible, long-term tenants vulnerable to sustained harassment and deprives small providers of the tools needed to keep their buildings safe. Balanced housing policy must prioritize the safety and well-being of the whole building.