Suing Landlord For Harassment

Summary

The user, a tenant in Illinois, is experiencing harassment and property damage from the maintenance man of her apartment complex. She has evidence in the form of videos and a police report. Despite filing complaints with the property management, no action has been taken. The user has lost her job due to the stress caused by this situation and is seeking legal representation to sue for damages, including lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress. The user is also in the process of moving out of the apartment.

Full Conversation

Constantly destroying my stuff on my patio by his actions he lives above me
What evidence do you have of the maintenance man's actions? Photos, videos, or witnesses can strengthen your case.
Videos abd a police report as well as written complaints to property management office
What state are you located in? This will help me provide the most accurate information regarding your legal rights and potential courses of action.
Illinois
What actions have you taken so far apart from filing a police report and lodging complaints with the property management office?

In Illinois, tenants have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their property. If violated, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
None at this time
Have you considered seeking a restraining order against the maintenance man? In Illinois, you can apply for an order of protection if you feel threatened.
Yes
What is the response from the property management office to your complaints?

In Illinois, landlords are obligated to provide a safe environment. If they fail, you can sue for damages.
But is him and his wife and they live directly above me
What actions have the property management office taken in response to your complaints?

In Illinois, landlords are legally required to address tenant complaints about safety issues.
Nothing
What is the nature of the damage caused to your property by the maintenance man's actions?
My plants are dieing, she ruibed my chaur and my mental health is destroyed as well
What is the estimated cost of the damage caused to your property and mental health?

In Illinois, you can sue for damages including property damage and emotional distress.
I lost my job due to the stress so quite a bit
What is the name and location of the court nearest to you? In Illinois, you can file a lawsuit for damages including lost wages due to emotional distress.
Lorraine Rolling Rockford Illinois court house
The nearest court to you is the Winnebago County Courthouse. Address: * W State St, Rockford, IL *, USA. Phone: +* *-*-*.
Ok
What is the name of your apartment complex and its management company? This information can be useful if you decide to pursue legal action.
Edward Rose Property Management and the complex is Great Oaks
What is the full address of your apartment complex? This information can be useful if you decide to pursue legal action.
* Linden Rd Rockford Illinois *
What is the name of the maintenance man causing you distress?
Mike
What is the nature of the police report you filed against Mike?
His wife threatened my life
What actions did the police take after you reported the threat to your life?
None told her not to bother me
What was the response of the property management when you informed them about the threat to your life?
Call the police
They told me to call the police
They did nothing
They didn't do anything
What is the name and contact details of the person you have been dealing with at the property management office?
Denise +*
What was Denise's response when you reported the maintenance man's actions to her?
She said she could've get involved
What steps have you taken after Denise's response? In Illinois, landlords are required to address tenant complaints about safety. If ignored, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Continued to file complaints and record video
What is the nature of the videos you have recorded?
Water being dumbed down on my stuff soaking everything and over watering my plants which caused some to die
What is the estimated cost of the damage caused to your plants and other property?

In Illinois, you can sue for damages including property damage.
*
What is the total amount of damages, including lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress, you are seeking in your lawsuit?
50k
What is the name of your lawyer or are you seeking legal representation?
Seeking
What steps have you taken to find legal representation for your case?
None yet
What type of lawyer are you looking for? In Illinois, tenant rights lawyers can help with cases like yours.
Tenant rights
What is the timeline of these incidents? It's important to know for statute of limitations purposes in Illinois.
Still going on and has been for over a year
Have you documented all incidents with dates and times? This can be crucial evidence in your case. In Illinois, detailed records can strengthen a tenant's case against a landlord or property manager.
Yes
What is the nature of the threats made by the maintenance man's wife?
She threatened to kick my ass and kill me
What actions did you take after receiving these threats?
I called the police
What was the response from the police when you reported these threats?
They told them to leave me alone
What was the outcome after the police told them to leave you alone?
Nothing they still harass me
What actions have the maintenance man and his wife taken that you consider as harassment after the police warned them?
Destroy my property, stole my mail i think and constant verbal abuse and telling my neighbors that I was just a waste and was being evicted anyway
What actions have you taken after these continued harassments?
Filed complaints with property management
What was the response from the property management to your recent complaints about the continued harassment?
None
What is the nature of the verbal abuse you're experiencing from the maintenance man and his wife?
Calli g me names and threatening me
What specific threats or names have they called you?
Bitch, whore, loser, waste of space, lier
What is the impact of these verbal abuses on your mental health?
It destroyed me and my feelings of safety and self worth
What steps have you taken to address the impact on your mental health?
Spiritual counseling
Have you sought any professional mental health services such as a psychologist or psychiatrist?
Yes
What was the diagnosis or advice given by the mental health professional you consulted?
Spiritual practice and ro move
What steps have you taken towards moving out or finding a new place to live?
I am working on moving now
What is your moving timeline and have you informed your property management about your decision to move?
I am out buy the August 7th
Have you informed your property management about your decision to move out by August 7th?
Yes
What was the response from the property management when you informed them about your decision to move out?
Ok
Ok
What was the response from the property management when you informed them about your decision to move out?
They said ok
They agreed
What is your plan after moving out? Are you still planning to pursue the lawsuit against the property management and the maintenance man?
Yes I am and i dont know i am unemployed and broke
Have you considered seeking legal aid or pro bono services for your lawsuit? In Illinois, there are organizations that provide free legal help to those who can't afford it.
No but i can
Which organizations have you considered for legal aid or pro bono services? In Illinois, you can contact "Prairie State Legal Services" at (*) *-* for free legal assistance.
None, thank you for the name
What is the current status of your employment and are you seeking any compensation for lost wages in your lawsuit?
I am unemployed and yes I am
What was your job and how much did you earn before you lost it due to the stress caused by this situation?
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 65k a year
What was the duration of your unemployment due to this situation? In Illinois, you can claim lost wages as part of your damages in a lawsuit.
It was off and on but lost my job due to absences on June 4th
What steps have you taken to find a new job since you lost your previous one?
Phone calls applications phone interviews
What is the status of your job search currently? Are you facing any difficulties due to the ongoing situation?
I am still searching and yes I loat my health insurance and have been evicted
What steps have you taken to address your eviction and loss of health insurance? In Illinois, there are resources available to help with housing and healthcare needs.
I contacted Rockford human services
What kind of assistance did you receive from Rockford Human Services?
Food stamps and medicaid
What is the status of your food stamps and Medicaid application with Rockford Human Services?
Active
What is the status of your lawsuit against the property management and the maintenance man?
I have nit started it ywt
What steps are you planning to take to initiate your lawsuit?
Contact a lawyer
What type of lawyer are you planning to contact for your case?