5534 S Hamilton Ave

Lease terms

Owner pays water. Tenant pays gas, electric,revent Tenant-Caused Damage: Tenants are financially liable for damage caused by their own misuse, negligence, abuse, or unauthorized modifications. This includes damage caused by invited guests or unapproved pets. Promptly Report Maintenance Issues: Tenants are legally obligated to notify the landlord in writing as soon as structural, plumbing, heating, or water-intrusion issues occur. Failing to report a leak that eventually leads to massive floor rot or mold can shift repair liability onto the tenant. Keep the Property Clean & Sanitary: Maintain basic hygiene inside and outside the home to prevent pest infestations (rodents, roaches). Under local rules, if a pest issue is proven to be caused by tenant neglect (e.g., trash accumulation), the tenant may be billed for extermination. Allow Lawful Entry for Repairs: Allow the landlord access to inspect or complete needed maintenance after receiving proper advance written notice (typically 2 days in Cook County). 2. Standard Single-Family House Maintenance (Lease-Driven)Because single-family homes have yards, driveways, and standalone systems, the lease usually delegates routine exterior and operational upkeep to the tenant:Lawn Care & Yard Maintenance: Mowing the lawn, trimming weeds, and keeping the yard free of debris or municipal code violations (which can draw city fines if neglected).Snow & Ice Removal: Keeping walkways, steps, and driveways clear of snow and ice during winter months.Basic Utility Maintenance: Replacing interior HVAC air filters (every 1 3 months), changing light bulbs, and replacing batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.Seasonal Hose Bib & Freeze Protection: Disconnecting outdoor garden hoses before freezing weather sets in to prevent exterior pipes from bursting.Trash & Recyclables: Placing waste bins out on designated pickup days and securing lids to prevent animal scavenging.3. Normal Wear and Tear vs. Tenant DamageUnderstanding the difference determines whether repair costs come out of the tenant's security deposit or are covered by the landlord:CategoryLandlord Responsibility (Normal Wear)Tenant Responsibility (Damage / Negligence)PlumbingWorn washer/valve, aging pipe leak, water heater failureClogged drains caused by grease, wipes, or foreign objects; frozen pipes from turning heat off in winterWalls & PaintMinor scuffs, small picture-nail holes, natural paint fadingLarge holes in drywall, unauthorized painting, unapproved wall alterationsFlooringCarpet wear in high-traffic areas, minor wood scuffsDeep gouges, pet urine stains, water damage from unaddressed spills or overflowing tubsWindows/DoorsDrafts, sticking frames due to settling, worn latchesCracked or shattered glass panels, kicked-in or broken interior doors