Creating Safer Neighborhoods: A Guide to Preventing Illicit Activity

CHA Owner Symposium

October 2013

Creating Safer Neighborhoods:

Department of Buildings

Strategic Inspection Task Force

The STF is a team of inspectors from the Department of

Buildings that conduct targeted inspections of residential and commercial properties in which the police department

executes a search warrant with positive results (drugs, weapons, cash, and related paraphernalia).

• The cases are heard in Administrative Hearings

• Cases are closed when the owner complies with both the code and criminal violations

• To protect the interests of homeowners, the STF only takes referrals from CPD

Drug and Gang House Enforcement

• Any person who any premise and encourages or permits illegal activity to occur or fails to implement reasonable and warranted abatement measures for the premise shall be subject to a fine in the amount of

$200 - $6,000 for each day that the nuisance exists. Municipal Code of Chicago 8-4-090

• Every existing building shall comply with the code requirements in force and applicable to such building. Municipal Code of Chicago 12-196-010

• An owner of, or any person in management or control of, any building or premises that is found to be in violation of the provision of the code shall be liable for any violation therein, existing or occurring. Municipal Code of Chicago 13-12-040

• Any violation shall be punished by a fine of no less than $200 and no more than $500 and each day such violation shall constitute a

separate and distinct offense for which a fine as herein provided shall be imposed. Municipal Code of Chicago 13-12-040

ALWAYS do a criminal background check along

with a credit report

• The Departments of Buildings and Law both recommend using a service that is web-based and will reflect both arrests and convictions. In addition, they recommend doing monthly

updates.

• Always ask for a state issued identification at the time of application.

Department of Buildings

The ID should NEVER look like this:

Department of Buildings

ALWAYS use a Lease!

• Month-to-Month leases are legal, however, they are

nearly impossible to enforce in court.

• Never use an online lease, as it might contradict certain portions of Chicago’s lease.

• Remember that you are not obligated to extend a lease past its expiration date.

• However, it is recommended that you give between 30-60 days’ notice to your tenant.

• Your lease can contain certain riders for specific situations.

Please note that upon sale of property, any

existing leases, lawsuits and code

violations are not voided and become the

responsibility of the new owner.

Department of Buildings

Strategic Inspection Task Force

Department of Buildings

Strategic Inspection Task Force

Porch Construction

Recognize Porch Problems

Interior Stairs

Interior Walls

Mold

Broken Plaster

Management Signage

Correct

Incorrect

Exterior Maintenance

Tripping Hazard

Rodent

Chimney Maintenance

Cinderblock Chimney

and Brick Chimney

Properly Constructed

Brick Chimney

Electrical Problems

Rusted Meter Boxes

Dangerous Open

Electrical Problems

Outlet

Service Panel

Electrical Problems

Loose Service

Riser

Frayed Service

Entrance Cable

Exterior Electrical Hazards

Not Secured to

Building and

Improper Box

Missing GFCI and

Improper

Installation

Exterior Electrical Hazards

Extension Cord in

Doorway

Overuse of

Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Improper Flue Pipe

Using Stove for

Plumbing Violations

Open Sewer

Flexible

Plumbing Violations

Missing P-Trap

How many violations do

you see on this water

Plumbing Violations

Dissimilar Metals

Missing pipe on

Improper Shoring

Collapsing Floor Joist

Improper Shoring

Damaged Floor Joists

Water Damage

and Rot

Exterior Wall

Rusted Lintel

Open Mortar Joints

Apartment Security

Proper Thumb

Latch

Improper Keyed

Locks

Smoke and C.O. Detectors

•

Check the batteries on your devices when

the tenants move in

•

Please note that detectors have a shelf life

of eight (8) years

•

As the landlord, you are only responsible

for the smoke and C.O. Detectors each time

that the unit turns over

Safety Tips

• Always trust your instincts when selecting a tenant.

• Get to know the police that patrol your property(ies).

• Get to know your fellow property owners,

neighbors, and managers. Consider joining or forming a landlord networking group.

• When showing apartments, minimize the frequency in which you are alone.

• Encourage tenants to pay with checks or money orders only.

Safety Tips

• Never keep cash on the premises – Deposit money ASAP.

• Vary deposit times and locations.

• Keep a current inventory of tools and

equipment. A copy of this list should be with your insurance company.

• Never project fear. When in doubt, talk to yourself.

Key City Contacts

• Chicago Police Department – CAPS: (312) 745-5900 • Chicago Police Department – TBU: (312) 745-6231 • Department of Buildings: (312) 744-3400

• Department of Streets and Sanitation –

Neighborhood Services: (312) 743-0251/0256 • Chicago Housing Authority: (312) 742-8500

Other Contacts

• Association of Condominium and Town Home Owners Associations: (312) 987-1906

• Apartment Building Owners and Manager Association: (312) 207-1890

• Chicago Association of Realtors: (312) 803-4900

• Community Investment Corporation: (312) 258-0070

• Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago: (800) 660-1995