Evanston officials outline changes to Residential Landlord–Tenant Ordinance, effective Jan. 1

City of Evanston housing staff and representatives of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization on a city-hosted presentation summarized major changes to the city’s Residential Landlord–Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), which the City Council approved Nov. 25, 2024 and which took effect Jan. 1.

The presentation, led by Ana Lizárraga, housing and economic development analyst for the City of Evanston, and Javier Ruiz of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization, reviewed who the ordinance covers and the new limits and obligations placed on landlords and tenants. Phil De Vont, also listed as representing the Metropolitan Tenants Organization, joined the presenters.

The presenters said the RLTO does not apply to certain institutional or non‑permanent housing types, including medical or geriatric institutions, religious educational housing (such as college dorms), hospitals, hotels or motels not used as permanent residences, owner‑occupied cooperatives, and units occupied by buyers under land‑sale contracts. Presenters said landlords must disclose whether a unit is covered by the RLTO in marketing materials and in written lease agreements.

Among the changes summarized: - Prohibited lease terms: Leases that waive notice requirements, waives a jury trial, or require tenants to give false or misleading statements about the landlord are prohibited. Landlords may not limit tenants’…