landlord suing

[Taylr]

My grandmothers landlord just posted a note on her house in Claremont, Illinois stating she has 10 days to get every thing out of her house. She sis not pay last months rent but that was because nothing in her house works: the toilet, the air conditoner, and many other things included do not work, but he won't fix them. There is also bugs and black fungus in the house( black fungus is deadly). She is moving into a new house on August 25, but till then she doesn't know what to do. He also said that he was suing her for putting holes in the ceiling and for alot of stuff that doesn't work that didn't work since she has had the house. The holes in the ceiling were from one of his 3 or 4 satellite dishes. My grandmother only took one of the dishes out to install one that works, and he let her do it. He even installed in for her. She didn't make any new holes she only used the ones that were already there, but she doesn't have the money for an attorney right now. What should she do?

 

[NYClex]

somebody should record the living conditions in that house. You might be able to call the city and have an inspector come. There also are some non-profit organziations who offer low cost or free legal help in tenant-landlord disputes. Depending on her age and the city, the city's department of the aging (or however it is called in your place) might get involved.

 

[lyontamer]

Your grandmother should not move. Posting a note on the door is not an eviction. She is legally entitled to 30 days notice in proper documentation (60 days if she's been there longer than 1 year) and then he would have to file an unlawfull detainer and take her to court in order to evict her.

Furthermore, from the sounds of the house's condition is it considered unlivable, and LL is required to MAKE it liveable and if he doesn't, there are ways of legally forcing him to.

Grandma needs to pay rent regardless. Withholding rent for any reason is a good way to get evicted. Repairs are a seperate issue from rent.

Do a google search for pro-bono atorneys in your county. ABA offers a referal service also. Not only should Grandma not move, she needs to get an atorney who can review the situation and the paperwork, and also someone to come inspect the house. There are many who will work for free or greatly reduced fees.