Philip Devon, a staff attorney with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization, told the meeting that “nearly every rental unit in the City Of Evanston is covered by the Evanston Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance.”

Devon said the Metropolitan Tenants Organization has a contract with the City of Evanston to help answer questions and resolve issues between housing providers and tenants. “We work with the city of Evanston to help answer questions and resolve issues between housing providers and tenants,” he said.

Devon listed the ordinance’s limited exceptions: educational facilities such as dormitories, fraternity and sorority houses; religious facilities such as churches; geriatric or medical facilities; co-ops; and short-term hotel and motel stays. “There are only a few exceptions,” he said.

He said all housing providers in Evanston “must disclose in writing to tenants and all prospective tenants whether their rental unit is covered by the ordinance.” The requirement, as described by Devon, applies to current tenants and prospective tenants alike.

The transcript does not record any formal action, vote, or staff directive tied to these remarks.

Background: The Evanston Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) is the city ordinance that sets out landlord and tenant obligations within Evanston, according to the speaker. The transcript excerpt does not specify enforcement steps, penalties, or the exact disclosure form or timeline.