very sadly I saw today in a Facebook post dated two days ago by Douglas Pensack, that the ITU ceased activities on the 29 Nov, 2022 because of retirement.. .. wishing everyone who worked at the ITU all the best in whatever endeavours they're pursuing; thank you again for all that you did for people in the decades you were representing people in this city. happy holidays to all x read more

I could be happier with the service Illinois Tenants' Union provided! I needed to break my lease and they were super helpful and coaching me on what I needed to provide them and what I needed to say to my landlord. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing to get out of their lease. Thank you again!!!!! read more

I needed help 2 years ago. They went to court and then i m9ved, but now find out i have a hefty judgement against me. Cant purchase a home brcause of it. No one calls back or answers my emails. Cant even find their new address to go in person. Very frustrated right now.. read more

What do you do when you're being jerked around by a landlord and you feel powerless to stop it? Contact a lawyer, right? Well, what if you're not swimming in dough, and the one lawyer you know deals primarily with finance law? You contact ITU. A few years back, I lived in a BJB-owned property and was constantly experiencing violations of the Chicago RLTO (Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance - every single renter in Chicago should be familiar with this document... you have rights you know!!) So I had a few things working against me, number 1: I didn't put down any security deposit, and that is basically a renter's leverage against a horrible landlord, so beware of any landlord that does not want to take a security deposit! Number 2: I couldn't "prove" beyond a doubt that the management was coming into my apartment with no notice, and when they were accused of it, Dino at BJB forged notification letters as his "proof" that I was "notified." Long story short, ITU isn't quick to get back to you or as efficient as a private lawyer because they are constantly bombarded with cases. However, not only did they legally break my lease through a tiny loophole and save me upwards of $6,000, they did it for a nominal fee. The gentlemen in the office who I worked with were sympathetic and knowledgeable. They really put my mind at ease in a situation where I felt victimized by both a burglar and a management company. Also, 2 years after the broken lease, BJB put a $2500 collection in for me and dented my credit report. A few phone calls and legal letters to the collection agency and credit bureaus, and everything was removed and straightened out. ITU said that I can call them anytime for anything in the future regarding my case with them. I really appreciate the help they gave me and if you really need help getting out of your lease, be patient and ITU will help you too. These things don't happen overnight. For my case, it took about 2 months before I could move out of the evil apartment and then another 2 years after that with the fight against BJB. read more

(written 7/29) I'm going to try to make this review about as short as my phone call with them. I really don't know any info about this place so I don't know how/what to rate them on. Can you elaborate more on HOW you will help me before asking about money? I understand the non-for-profit part so you have to make money somehow. The lady Chris talked over me when I had questions and she was more concerned with a fee equal to my rent when I clearly told her I'm paying rent/deposit for another place and I don't NEED to stay another month (I guess that's how they help you). When I told her I was moving, she says "Well, how do you want us to help you?" Ah duh, I don't want an eviction on my rental history. I just want to know how can you help me prove what the plaintiff is claiming is incorrect?!! She said I had to have money before I moved out my old apartment (which was the same week!) in order to help. When I told her I wouldn't have the money so soon she basically said she couldn't help me. Meh. (updated 8/2) If you have defenses against your landlord or something to say, defend yourself and speak up! I went to court and spoke up on my behalf and now the case will be getting dismissed once I hand over my keys. ...and guess what? I didn't have to give someone else my rent to that for me! read more

This is a not for profit organization, so I don't quite understand how some of these posters seem to expect them to run as smoothly as a large, for profit corporation. Last year my husband and I found ourselves stuck in one of the worst apartments imaginable and need out ASAP. We met with the Illinois Tenants Union, paid our 1/2 months rent fee (which they did not ask for until the END of the meeting), and we were out of our apartment by the next month. Apparently our situation was "lucky" in the fact that our building violated so many codes and the company had no interest in fixing their violations. The ITU was exteremely helpful and I felt very well informed on what to expect after leaving our first meeting. They followed through with everything and we have had no problems from our former rental agency. I absolutely suggest using the services of the ITU. Don't expect them to work magic, if you screwed up on not paying rent, etc. they cannot necessarily fix that, but if you need out of an apartment because you can no longer afford it, or because it is a horrible living condition they will get you out! (but you need to cooperate with them and help them gather the info they need, of course!) read more

I was experiencing major noise and disturbance problems with my neighbors. My landlord did nothing to assist me. I engaged an attorney whom I paid $1000.00 to and did nothing to help me either. I then turned to the Illinois tenants union. Starting with my initial contact with Doug, he pointed me in the right direction and gave me the tools and assistance I needed to legally break my lease so I wouldn't have to endure another month of my nightmare. He was always responsive and everything he told me was accurate. It's nice to know there are still advocates out there for honest renters who are stuck in situations such as mine. Most attorneys assist with landlords rights, I found out the hard way. I would not hesitate to contact them again for assistance. read more

After numerous attempts to contact them due to landlord problems, I am giving up. They won't return phone calls or emails via their online request form. Get your stuff together, tenants union, or you won't be useful to anybody. read more

Honorable Military Veterans here (U.S. Navy). Although they helped me get out of my lease against DraperandKramer Inc, I found out that the balance of the rent was STILL on my credit report. I've made numerous attempts to contact them but no one has returned my phone calls. The prosecuting attorney told the administrative person to tell me that the court case didn't include the amount for the charges...WTF??? Sound crazy right...yeah so now $8,000 is has been lounging around my credit report for the past 5 years now but I'm fighting yall. Darkside if I have to. Nevertheless, make sure when you go to court (because I had to work), make sure that the judgement INCLUDES ANY CHARGES. Thank me laters! read more

What a cool place. Its on the second floor of a 2 flat in Albany Park. About 3 blocks from the Kimball stop on the Brown Line. You would never expect it, but once they buzz you up to the second floor you realize they have been there for 30 years! The boss, Mr. Pensack (about 70 years old) marched with MLK in the 60s and has been fighting for tenants rights in Cook County ever since. There are books everywhere, great posters, all the employees are hustling and bustling, and most important of all, THEY KEEP THEIR PROMISES AND DO WHAT THEY SAY THEY CAN DO. They can break leases, get your landlord to make repairs, and get you out of evictions. I've read the reviews of this place and I get it, it seems odd from the outside. But spend a little time at the ITU and you will realize they guys actually care and are experts at landlord tenant relations. read more

I had a great experience with ITU. I worked with Michael Walker who is by far one of the most understanding, cool, down to earth people I have met in quite a while. My landlord was a complete jerk & we butted heads like you wouldn't believe. I was one month late with rent & he wanted me out. Michael listened carefully to what my situation was, knew exactly what to do and explained their fees to me. ITU stuck it my landlord and now I'm out of that nightmare. My calls were always returned promptly, if not answered immediately by Michael. I was treated with respect and helped beyond my expectations. Hopefully, I will not need their services again, but if you're having issues with your landlord, ITU is the way to go. Ask for Michael Walker. He's awesome. read more

I have always just showed up at the office. This is obviously an irritant to them but desperate situations call for desperate measures. If i cant reach them by phone or email i have np showing up and getting an attitude. In the end they helped. They do seem annoyed with follow up calls after they have your money but they get the job done. I used them three times. First time was a cut n dry breaking of lease. Second they didn't really help but did give free info and advice. I was renting a foreclosure. The laws did not favor me so they cant help with a law that is unfair. Third time a landlord renewed my lease then re nigged on the renewal offer in too short of a notice. I suposse again this is something they don't really deal with so not very cut n dry but again gave free advice. read more

These people did nothing for me, except took my $3500 and never responded to me after. I was having major issues / repair issues with my apartment, to the point of a bedroom ceiling coming apart over my child's bed. After several unsuccessful attempts to have my issues addressed, I contacted this company who was supposed to advocate for me. What they had me do was stop paying rent. They told me to still write the rent checks but make payable to them and they would hold the checks until my issues were resolved. Well after 6 months, that never happened and I ended up moving out. After I moved out, THIS COMPANY decided to deposit my rent checks, why, since I had moved due to no resolutions. I tried for at least 2-3 years of asking why they deposited my checks and to return my money and neither they nor their shady Atty Larry Stivers responded to me AT ALL. Experiences like these are what makes people apprehensive and scared to seek help. I was basically SCAMMED read more

If I could give then a negative score I would. So my roommate is endangering my safety and I called to see what my options were. Instead of just listening to my issue and offering assistance the woman tells me " you both signed the lease so you're both liable for the rent." I was so upset that I replied, "so this chick could kill me in my sleep and because she's on the lease it's okay." and hung up. This woman has the audacity to not only call me back, but leave a message that states "you call to hear the truth and then hang up... good luck." with the most smug tone of voice. I will never refer anyone to this service, they're useless read more

I am disappointed in the service I received I would not recommend it to any on it is best to go to legal Aid for free counseling. I went to court at a hard time in my life and didn't get the representation I expected. They said from the start I can get you 60 days but I was only given 45 I really didn't get anything I was told but I did received bad record from the landlord and to pay restitution. Save your money and go to legal Aid read more

**We did not end up using them in the end** - Disclosure before my notes below We had quite a few issues with our landlord so we first started emailing them. The information that was given was really good about what was legal and what was not. We then followed up with a phone call about potentially breaking the lease. Everything sounded good at this point. After discussing everything they mentioned that it was going to cost 1/2 months rent to do the service, still OK. They mentioned that they could only take cash or money order and no other form of payment... that's when I got a strange feeling. We told them we needed to think about it. They said OK sounds good. As we discussed our options, we received over 6 phone calls in a 24 hour period to see if we had decided yet, including a call just before 9pm. That desperation really depleted any chance of us using them as it seemed like they really wanted the cash. The combination of only taking cash and being that desperate led to us abandoning the idea and no longer dealing with them. Seems a bit odd.... read more

I used them for an eviction problem I had. I told them that my number one concern was that my eviction not be on my record, they implied that it could be done, they have very very poor communication, and if you call with further questions, they seem to act like you are bothering them. They did give me 4 or 5 months free rent but I still have the eviction on my record and can't get an apartment anywhere due to that, and am now having to stay at a hotel. read more

I contacted Illinois Tenants' Union this past winter when I really needed to get out of my lease because my landlord was not abiding by its only rules. I left a message, and I received a call back from a woman. I had a lot of difficulty understanding her. She was not willing to answer most of my questions. She simply wanted to know how much I pay in rent (then she said breaking my lease would cost that much) and that I need to find a place to move into at the end of the month. Since she was unable to tell me any more information (e.g., how will this be done? what would i need to do? what are possible negative repercussions?), I chose not to move ahead with the process. read more

Believe the bad reviews. They took my $1500 and gave me a preformatted letter to give to my landlord. I moved out and told them I wanted to go forth in suing my landlord for errors in my lease. They told me their lawyers were backed up with work. I said let me know when they had time. I never heard from them again. I checked in multiple times over the next year and got the runaround and then no response. Im almost out of my 2 year statute of limitations now. I feel like I got ripped off. I handed over that money assuming they would help me get reimbursed their fee from my landlord. read more

They took $1000. They made a lot of promises. They did not deliver on all of their promises. Looking back, they didn't do anything that I couldn't have done myself. When they promise to seal your eviction record, do NOT believe them. Your eviction and judgement will appear on your credit rating, making it impossible to rent a decent abode. They are very responsive until they get your cash, then not so much. They go from super polite to can't be bothered. I've been trying to get a return call from my lawyer for a month. It's now time to file a formal complaint and hire a competent attorney to straighten out the mess created by ITU. Please, do yourself a favor and heed my warning. Read the other reviews and steer clear of this organization or you'll wind up paying for nothing and living in a motel. read more

#ShoutsOutToMichael You deserve it man, I had faith in you to prove the liars wrong & you did just that. You met me once talked over phone from time to time and heard my story & took it from there. I will never forget you and will always recommend you! Thanks again. #OnelawyerIveNeverHad read more

A year ago I utilized the help of this agency to break a lease with a landlord taking illegal and fraudulent liberties in assisting me to move and sublease my apartment. The staff did research on the immoral management company, the building and my unit and informed me of my options and the possible outcomes of each one. I signed a contract to move forward as I had nothing to lose (but one months rent as a fee which would be far less than what I could face being on my own). Granted, I did have to follow-up with them on my own accord for more comfortability of ensuring the process agreed. I don't think that they were not doing their job but if you're not organized on your own you may overlook needing to nudge them to update you at times. I do not know if they were understaffed, overbooked or just quietly and calmly confident. They were however always professional and kind. Utlimately, the buildings manager took the illegal action we expected. ITU drafted all paperwork necessary for me to mail out and therefore my lease was broken! If necessary to go to court they would have represented me. This was a epic relief during that time in my life and I'm grateful. I moved into a new apartment I'm most happy with and with new management who respects their tenants. read more

Some things that seem too good to be true, aren't. This is one of those places. It is what it says it is, does what it says it does, and your money goes to a good cause - helping other people who need a home and are being unfairly evicted. I went to them because I needed to break a lease, and my landlord (a large, professionally-run management company) was being uncooperative. After a phone interview, I showed up to their offices and they had already prepared a strategy that turned out to work perfectly with no hassle on my end. They acted ethically, professionally, and were never anything other than fantastic, friendly and easy to work with. I hope they remain in business for as long as landlords are jerks, which is to say: I hope they never go away. read more

Outstanding Service from an Amazing, Hardworking, and Kind Staff Due to a back injury at work my mother (a nurse) was off work for 3 months, and we fell behind in the rent (about I month and a half), and had made arrangements to pay up the balance. However, we were notified by the Illinois Tenant Union that the management company had filled for eviction. Naturally, scared at the prospect of being out in the midst of winter, we turned to them and so very grateful for all of their help! We had the absolute pleasure of working with Michael Stenovec who took care of two frightened ladies. The mere words written here, does not due them justice for the service they provided. Assuring us that we would not be abruptly put out - And we weren't!. We were also guaranteed a 60 day stay, and we received it!!!!! We also received step-by-step instructions as to what to do when we initially went to court- Truly Helpful and Comforting!!!! for us. We have Never had to go to court for anything, so it was frightening. We are so eternally grateful to them for helping us through a scary and difficult time in our life. I would recommend them without hesitation. I am so very confused by the negative reviews. I never saw a lady in the office (referenced by some reviews), perhaps the staff has changed. Please give them a try, despite the reviews, and judge for yourself. read more

A complete waste of your money. Once they get your money you never hear from them again. To heck with you and your situation with your landlord. read more

The Illinois Tenants' Union helped me get out of a lease last year with a negligent landlord. It was worth every penny. They gave me the support I needed to do it, sent the letters, did the research, gave me the results, and were always available for my questions. They even advised me how to get ComEd to take my name off the bill. They help you know your rights as a tenant. We have more power than we think. I can't recommend them enough. read more

I needed to assist someone with landlord and neighbor problems, and was unfamiliar with how these matters are addressed in Illinois. So, I called several tenants / renters groups to seek advice on how these are handled. First, one should know that most of these places can give a quick free consultation and then charge a fee for extended legal assistance. My experience with the Illinois Tenants' Union was very poor. The woman who returned my call was not interested in the problem, but in giving a specific solution, which was, in fact, not at all relevant to the problem we had. I had left a detailed message, and when I pointed out that perhaps it would be useful to know the situation before giving a solution, she didn't really pause at all. She continued, and wanted to get info on the apartment lease, when it would be broken, etc., rather than address landlord issues. It seems she is an automaton who just fills out a form. If it's not the right form for the job, it doesn't matter, she will still proceed with it. I think that either she's a moron or ITU does a poor job of training their employees. Consider for a moment that if you have a lease, then you have a contract. If you're calling for help, it means that the counterparty on the lease, the landlord, is someone who's not necessarily on your side, and you would like to get someone on your side who knows what they're doing. First, to know what they're doing, they need to know what your issue is. If they don't care what your issue is, then they're not on your side. Simple, right? Since ITU charges a fee for this, and you could end up in a serious problem with your landlord based on their incompetence, or at least could do better elsewhere, I strongly recommend against using ITU, at least until you have contacted other organizations. See also my review for the Center for Renters Rights, which I strongly recommend: http://www.yelp.com/biz/center-for-renters-rights-chicago read more

Not only was the Illinois Tenants Union spectacular, they were timely amazing, helpful, and awesome in guiding me toward the remedy of a housing struggle that should not have ever been in existence and could have been avoided and easily remedied with continued and honest conversation with the housing management company and myself. The Illinois Tenants Union gave me the advise that I needed -via phone- which ultimately aided in getting the ground, footing, knowledge and satisfaction that I needed to continue to stay afloat and in charge of a very stressful situation. Specifically, it was Michael Walker who responding to my calls of distress by analyzing the status of the situation and guiding me as to what I should do next. He actually cared!!! It is very difficult to find great customer service, authentic persons, and individuals who not only listen to the problem but that can access it properly and assist in solving and providing the resolution of such. The Illinois Tenants Union deserve praise and any aid in their fight to help those that need assistance in housing battles. They helped me and I know that they can do the same superior job for others. If money was a necessity, they deserve every penny. Thanks for the stellar service. KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT!!! read more

Illinois Tenants' Union - Public Services & Government Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

ITU provides an outstanding service to the people of Chicago. If you're facing eviction or want to break your lease, you'll be hard-pressed to find a group of more committed and ethical people. My experience with them has been nothing but positive, and I'd recommend it to anyone. read more

These guys were great! My roommates and I were stuck in an apartment in Hyde Park and hated it. He was mugged (twice in a week!) and it was time to go. Our previously sweet and accommodating landlord turned into a wolf with fangs and refused to let us out, even a month early. After searching the internet I found the Illinois Tenants Union. The people working there were helpful (if not idiosyncratic) and we saved two months of rent (like $2,600) after 1 appointment. I've read the other reviews and they're mixed... But if you wanna save money on a break lease, call these guys. Plus, I love the pictures of Marx and Che up on the walls. read more

It has been a year since I used the services of these landlord saviors. I had a small apartment in the Jefferson Park area which was infested with mice, roaches, hardly ever heated, Luke warm to cold shower water....etc that I made complaint after complaint to the landlord to fix and it fell on deaf ears. So a colleague told me about this place, Illinois Tenants Union and how I could legally get out of my lease. At 1st I thought it was a scam, until I heard of another friend that used them....it was the BEST MONEY I HAD SPENT ALL YEAR. FAST SERVICE, STRESS FREE and they had me out of my apartment legally less than 2 weeks. I am soooooo thank you there services. Believe me if I needed them I'd use them again in a heartbeat. If they can't fix the issue for you, I'll buy you a beer and apologize in person to you....but WHEN they DO come through for you, I'll take a Jameson on the rocks!!! read more

I used ITU years ago to get out of a bad apartment with a bad landlord. They educated me greatly on my rights and how to advocate for myself, they got me out of my lease quickly, and I got all my money back promptly. The overall experience of learning the standard Chicago apartment lease, how to leverage it for myself, and what I don't have to tolerate from a landlord, and what demands I can make on my lessor were all life-changing. read more

I honestly wish I didn't even have to give this organization one star because they do not deserve it. My husband and I wound up with the stereotypical "slumlord". Every building code violation you can imagine and unsafe living conditions possible were there. They had been promising to fix these issues from day one to no avail. We called the city building inspector in and got our porch (and only fire exit) condemned. Our lease expired shortly after that and we refused to pay until we had an agreement in writing and some basic violations were at least looked at. A week after this confrontation they started the eviction process. I went to the Illinois Tenants Union and at first they seemed like really wonderful, knowledgeable and took on our case pro bono, I was told the only thing I had to do was go to the Daley center to file paperwork, and the lawyer would file a motion and take care of everything. We were told we probably wouldn't even have to go to court and were told we had a great case and would be able to stay for about two months. I did everything I was told to do, kept them updated after filing said paperwork and after making repeated phone calls with no reply we finally got a call back saying the lawyer didnt have our paperwork and couldn't file our motion. That same day the sheriffs dept. came to evict us. We were totally blindsided by this. We now have an eviction on our record and their only response was that they owed us a really big apology. Now we have all of our stuff being stored with friends and have to find a place to sleep every night until we find a new place. I regret the day I heard of them and hope no one else has to go through the hell we are going through now. read more

I got a job in the suburbs at a much higher wage than I was making in Chicago. Unfortunately, the new job started six months before my lease ended. I talked to my landlord about leaving early. He wanted me to pay three months' rent as a relet fee and forfeit my security deposit. Or, he said I could find a new tenant for the next six months of my lease, but he wanted to raise the rent $100 a month once I left. The choices the landlord gave me were unacceptable. I googled "break lease" and found the Illinois Tenants Union. They got me out of my lease for a modest fee. read more

In the three years I have been working with ITU I have had a mixed experience with them, but as the jury just came in on my case I have got to say they fight the good fight for tenants. In principle, ITU is awesome. They believe that people's- particularly tenants'- rights are more important than property rights, and as such they offer legal consultation and representation to tenants who are trying to break a lease, get back a security deposit, get repairs done, are being evicted, or wanting to resolve other select issues with landlords. To keep legal costs down, tenants' union members all pay 1/2 month's rent payment to join and become eligible for ITU services (check out the website for more info.). In practice, I feel like ITU can be incredibly busy and find it difficult to keep in close contact with its members if you have a minor issue. However, once my case went to trial I felt like their lawyer had my back throughout two tense trials. He is well versed in Tenants' Rights issues, is bright and efficient. If you are having problems with a landlord I recommend checking ITU out as well as getting a lawyer's opinion. Again, their hearts are definitely in the right place. read more

Several years ago, my daughter, who was a college student at the time, was in a sticky situation with a bad landlord in downtown Chicago. The IL Tenants Union, especially Douglas Pensack, was extremely helpful in demonstrating that the landlord was acting in bad faith. I highly recommend their services to anyone in Illinois who is having legal issues with their landlord. These folks have seen it all, and know the renting regulations better than anyone. read more

I am shocked this organization sustains itself, and that it claims to advocate for tenants is a stretch. Although they did return my call/respond to my initial inquiry, I was treated with utter condescension and hostility if i attempted to ask any questions. The woman on the phone only wanted to proceed with me if I wanted to break my lease. Apparently, tenants in Chicago are so completely disempowered that breaking the lease is the only service this place will aid or advise upon. It doesn't matter that my heat does not function or any other number of problems persist. I am still kind of in disbelief that this organization is for real. read more

when i had to move for a new job these guys helped me out of my lease. My landlord wanted to charge me a $3,000 fee and these guys only charged me $375!!! Well worth it! My clean credit is still intact 8 months later!!! read more

ITU returned my call within 1 business day and gave me great advice without charging me a cent! They are very busy, though, and can sound abrupt on the phone, so make sure you do your research and be as accurate and efficient as you can when explaining your case to them. We were trying to break our lease and our landlord rejected a subtenant application with reasons that bordered on discrimination. I'd read through the Chicago Ordinance a million times and knew they were wrong, but how do you prove it?... The advice from Douglas Pensack at ITU was perfect - he told me specifically which areas to focus on that would bind them legally. He was sympathetic, but very straightforward about what the law actually said, and that gave me more confidence in confronting our landlord. I am SO thankful that I talked to Mr. Pensack before talking again to my landlord because the landlord tried to intimidate me with legal stuff and I held my ground, stating exactly which part of the lease/ordinance they had violated. That was enough to make them do the right thing and they ended up finding a new tenant the next month, releasing us from our lease and getting us our security deposit back. Thank you Illinois Tenants' Union!!! read more

They are a bull$#!+ organization. They don't answer calls or emails. You will NEVER EVER get back a response. Been months. Sent several emails, made many calls - and got nothing. I would give them a negative rating if i could just for wasting my time. read more