Summary
In Illinois, landlords must provide habitable properties and maintain common areas. Lease agreements dictate utility and lawn care responsibilities. If the lease states the water bill is included, the landlord should cover it. Lawn care is typically the tenants responsibility unless specified otherwise. Changing terms requires a new agreement. Consult a local attorney for specific advice.Full Conversation
Landlord makes us pay water bill and it's in his name and now states we must buy a lawnmower or pay for yard service Illinois
Hi Shonta,
In Illinois, landlords are responsible for providing habitable properties and maintaining common areas. However, the payment of utilities and lawn services can depend on your lease agreement.
Have you checked your lease to see what it says about these responsibilities?
The lease states water bill is included but not checked off as included on the first page and the lease states noting about lawn care, snow etc
Hello Shonta,
In Illinois:
- If your lease states that the water bill is included, the landlord should cover it.
- Lawn care is typically the tenant's responsibility unless specified otherwise in the lease.
Please consult with a local attorney for more specific advice.
The landlord wanted to put the water in our name but couldn't because we are renting the house, not owning
Hello Shonta,
In Illinois, if the lease agreement states that the water bill is the landlord's responsibility, then it should remain so. Changing the terms would require a new agreement. For more specific advice, consider consulting a local attorney.
Thank you
You're welcome, Shonta! If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to ask. Wishing you luck with your situation.
Are we obligated to pay everything honestly even though we don't own the house
Hello Shonta,
In Illinois, tenants are generally responsible for costs explicitly outlined in the lease. Costs not mentioned in the lease, such as utilities or maintenance, are typically the landlord's responsibility. Please consult a local attorney for specific advice.