Articles & Guides
Landlords, Tenants & Evictions
- Chicago's PRO vs. FAIR Ordinance Fight: What Every Property Owner Needs to Know 2026-07-20
Chicago's dueling rental ordinances explained by a landlord attorney: what the PRO and FAIR proposals change on just cause, relocation fees, and the registry.
- How to End a Tenancy in the Jackson Park Pilot Area 2026-07-16
Chicago's confusingly named Jackson Park pilot gives Woodlawn & South Shore tenants 90 to 180 day notice rights and first crack at buying your building. Decoded.
- My Tenant Says the Eviction Is Retaliatory. Now What? 2026-07-16
RLTO Β§ 5-12-150, the new statewide Landlord Retaliation Act, the one-year presumption, and the paper trail that beats a retaliation defense.
- My Tenant Won't Let Me Into My Own Property. Now What? 2026-07-16
Chicago's two-day notice rule, your eight entry rights under the RLTO, and how to lawfully enforce access when the door stays shut.
- I Think My Tenant Abandoned My Property. Now What? 2026-07-16
The RLTO's 21-day and 32-day abandonment rules, the duties that follow, and when changing the locks becomes an illegal lockout.
- My Tenant Used a Fake Identity. Now What? 2026-07-11
A fake name doesn't kill your eviction. How Illinois landlords remove fake-identity tenants with the "Unknown Occupants" statute, and why screening missed the fraud.
- Free 2026 Chicago Lease Template (RLTO & Cook County Rules) 2026-04-10
Chicago lease compliance from a landlord attorney: RLTO deposit rules, late fee caps, required disclosures, and the new Illinois rental fee law (HB 3564).
- How to Evict Squatters in Chicago | Illinois Law 2026-04-08
Squatters are already frustrating. Use the right legal framework and you'll know how to evict squatters fast!
- Ask an Eviction Lawyer 4: Tips for Landlords to Avoid Lawsuits 2026-04-07
Discover essential tips for Chicago landlords to navigate rental laws, maximize property mgmt efficiency, and maintain tenant satisfaction.
- Ask an Eviction Lawyer: Understanding the Chicago RLTO 2026-04-06
Discover essential insights on Chicago's Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) - understand rights and action for landlords & tenants.
- Security Deposit Law in Chicago, Illinois - Complete How-To Guide 2026-04-02
Illinois security deposit law from a landlord attorney: the 2024 change that covers ALL landlords, Chicago RLTO rules, Cook County RTLO caps, and deadlines.
- How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Eviction Lawyer - About $1600. 2026-01-21
How much are Eviction Lawyer Legal Fees? For Residential - $1600 Chicago, $895-$1,250 suburban Cook, $895 DuPage. Get a Free Quote with No Personal Info.
- How to Handle Late Rent Payments in Illinois (Zelle Rules) 2025-07-10
Learn how to handle late rent payments in Cook County, including pay-and-stay rules and how to handle surprise Zelle payments from tenants.
- Block 606: Chicago Tenant Right of First Refusal 2025-04-29
Selling a home in Chicagoβs Block 606? Learn about the new tenant right of first refusal law, who it affects, and how to comply or risk major fines.
- Commercial Lease Lawyer Explains Whats Best for Your Business 2023-05-04
Discover great advice from a commercial lease lawyer at Abdilla Law. We make complex lease agreements simple to help your business grow.
- Ask an Eviction Lawyer 3: How Do Tenants Get Into Rental Trouble 2023-04-19
Discover common pitfalls tenants face in rentals with 'Ask an Eviction Lawyer 3: How Do Tenants Get Into Rental Trouble' at The Chicagoland Lawyer.
- Early Resolution Program - Eviction Lawyer Explains #2 2023-04-18
Discover Chicago's Early Resolution Program (ERP) benefits for landlords and tenants. Resolve eviction disputes efficiently.
- Rental Property Mortgages for LLCs 2023-03-08
Discover how to secure a mortgage for your rental property LLC with our guide. Learn about the process and get approved. Learn More!
- LLC for Rental Property: Why Forming an LLC is a Smart Move 2023-03-03
An LLC for Rental Property is a smart move to protect your assets & minimize your risks. Explores the benefits of LLCs for rental property.
- Chicago Short-Term Rental Rules: Airbnb Ordinance Explained 2023-02-23
Chicago's Short Term Rental laws are not going to change anytime soon. Learn how a February 2023 Court case affects your rights to Air BNB.
- When the Illinois Eviction Moratorium Ended (Oct 3, 2021) 2021-09-20
The Illinois eviction moratorium is over on October 3. Get your documents together and notices now to beat the rush and protect yourself.
Foreclosure, Short Sales & Mortgages
- Illinois Just Rewrote Its Tax Sale Law: What Owners and Investors Need to Know 2026-07-22
The 2026 tax sale reform explained: tax deed auctions, the 3-year redemption period, surplus equity refunds, and the end of private tax buying in Cook County.
- The Carrington Short Sale Guide 2024-03-22
Selling your home in a short sale helps you move on without big debts. Let's look into how to start fresh with Carrington Mortgage.
- The Truist Short Sale Guide 2024-03-22
Financial setbacks can happen to anyone, and can be overwhelming. Learn how to do a short sale with Truist Bank to escape debt.
- Mastering Creative Finance: Subject To and Wrap Mortgages 2023-05-11
Dive into non-traditional real estate strategies. Learn the intricacies of Subject To and Wrap mortgages to enhance your investment prowess.
- Cut My Mortgage in Half - How Paying Ahead Pays More 2023-05-04
You can cut your mortgage in half by paying it more strategically. Amazing tips inside for getting equity and building generational wealth.
- Short Sale Guide for 2023 with Free Short Sale Calculator 2023-03-21
How does a short sale work in Illinois? 2023 guide for buys and sells, including free calculator, free templates and support. Save your house
- Chicago Mortgage Attorney Guide to Conventional vs FHA 2020-05-04
Buying without your finances in order can cost 1000s annually. Let your Chicago Mortgage Attorney figure out how to save that money.
Selling Your Business
- Someone Wants to Buy My Business. Now What? 2026-07-17
Search funds, PE add-ons, and competitors: who's calling, what the letter really is, and your first five moves.
- Before You Sign That Letter of Intent 2026-07-17
Exclusivity is a leverage cliff. What to lock in before the LOI is signed, and how the retrade works.
- What Is My Business Actually Worth? 2026-07-17
SDE vs EBITDA, the add-back war, and why the multiple is an argument, not a market fact.
- Earnouts: How Sellers Get Burned 2026-07-17
Your money on their scoreboard. The five classic burn patterns, protective terms, and when to refuse.
- Getting Your LLC Ready to Sell 2026-07-17
Clean books, transferability, and Illinois entity hygiene. Free 25-point exit-readiness worksheet included.
- Seller Financing a Business Sale 2026-07-17
Carrying the note makes you the buyer's lender. Underwriting, UCC filings, and SBA subordination.
- How to Sell Your LLC in Illinois 2026-07-17
Asset sale vs membership sale, bulk-sale tax clearance, and the 8-step closing timeline.
Investors & Business
- LLC vs. S-Corp for Illinois Landlords 2026-04-15
Why rental income landlords waste $5,000/year on S-Corp compliance, and when the S election actually pays.
- Chicago Cap Rates 2026: What's a Good Rate by Asset Class 2026-03-31
Chicago cap rate benchmarks for 2026: multifamily, commercial, office, industrial. Attorney-written analysis.
- 1031 Exchange: Deadlines, Reverse 1031s, Step-by-Step 2023-03-27
1031 exchange rules, deadlines and reverse 1031s - defer capital-gains tax and keep more profit. Step-by-step guide from a flat-fee Illinois real estate attorne
- Wholesaling Houses in Illinois: An Attorney's Guide 2023-02-19
If you're wholesaling houses in Illinois there are rules you need to know. Learn SB1872 and wholesaling real estate for beginners.
Buying, Selling & Closings
- Selling a House As Is in Illinois: What You Actually Lose 2026-04-10
Illinois real estate attorney breaks down the costs of selling a house as is, from closing fees to disclosure. $330,000 home sale case study.
- Paid Assessment Letter Guide for Chicago Sellers 2026-04-03
Finding out how to get the Paid Assessment Letter written by your HoA can be frustrating. Learn what goes into getting your condo sold.
- Real Estate Disclosures in Illinois - Disclosure Form + FSBO Law 2026-04-01
Illinois Real Estate Disclosure Law including the real estate disclosure form, for sale by owner disclosures & more. Don't get sued!
- Attorney Review and Due Diligence | The Chicagoland Lawyer 2026-03-29
Don't lose your due diligence period by failing to act! Use the attorney review provision when you buy your Chicago home. Learn More!
- Why We Oppose the Biden Homebuyer Tax Credit 2024-03-08
Discover why The Chicagoland Lawyer opposes the Biden Homebuyer Tax Credit. Stand with us against bribery and unfair housing policies. Read More!
- Maximize Your Business Security with a Due Diligence Attorney 2023-05-15
Safeguard your business interests. Learn how a due diligence attorney can help protect your investments and secure your future.
- Do You Need an Illinois Real Estate Attorney to Buy or Sell in IL? 2023-05-09
Why do YOU need an Illinois Real Estate Attorney? Ensure your transaction, protect your interests, handle paperwork, and resolve title issues.
- Danville Real Estate Closing Lawyer - Vermillion County Closings 2023-02-27
Few attorneys do real estate closings in Vermillion County and Danville. Get a hassle-free and smooth transaction on your own terms.
- Real Estate Advertising Law in Illinois - Ethical Sales 2023-02-16
Chicagoland Lawyer discusses the do's and don'ts of IL real estate advertising law and ethics to help you sell houses ethically. New for 2023
- Remote Closings in Illinois: Is Contactless Closing Legal? 2020-05-13
Contactless closing is a great idea but is it legal? Protect yourself from the virus and from fraud in remote closing. Guide from a Real Estate Attorney.
- Dual Agency in Illinois: Rights, Realtors & Attorneys 2020-05-10
Dual Agency agreements trade risk for savings. Learn how your Real Estate Attorney can Double-Check your Realtor when you buy or sell with dual agency.
- For Sale By Owner - 6 FAQs from the Chicagoland Lawyer 2020-04-26
For Sale By Owner? Get answers to 6 common FAQs from a Chicagoland lawyer to navigate your real estate transaction with confidence. Learn More!
- Best Time to Buy a House? Right Now | The Chicagoland Lawyer 2020-04-22
Spring 2020 is the best time to buy a house in Chicago. With COVID19, values have never been lower. We found the data that shows how you can make money.
- Chicago Gardening Laws - Grow in 2020 | The Chicagoland Lawyer 2020-04-15
Chicago Gardening laws are tight about what you can do in your yard. The City collects millions in fines. Learn how to make your yard beautiful in 2020