Feb 1, 2026
Residents of an apartment complex in Chicago say that they are living in horrible conditions, and that their homes are even making them sick.
Housing advocates and tenants of Harrison Courts Apartments, on Chicago's West Side, told CBS News that the complex has major issues, including mold, leaking roofs, cockroaches and even an elevator that doesn’t work (1). Residents said that although they have made repeated requests for help from the city, those requests have been ignored.
Advertisement
Harrison Courts Apartments are owned by the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). CBS reported that the CHA put the complex up for sale in May 2025, and that in November the CHA “said it had limited federal dollars available for repairs.”
According to CBS, Harrison Court “falls under a special contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD], and it places restrictions on how CHA can use federal housing dollars for repairs and redevelopment (2).” The CBS report says that the CHA says it has limited funds to repair the complex, leaving residents wondering what will happen to them in the meantime while the building is for sale.
Advocates urge Chicago Housing Authority to help
Rev. Robin Hood told CBS that the complex lacks basic repairs, and that he was calling on CHA leaders and Chicago’s mayor to fix the issues (2). He said that if it came to it, he would be getting lawyers involved or organizing protests to get the residents’ needs met.
A statement from the CHA said that it has released a resident survey “so that we can better understand what's working and what's not working for our residents” (2).
Residents told CBS that CHA heard their concerns at a recent meeting, but that the issues have yet to be addressed. They demanded that the mayor take action, and allocate $20 million for repairs, as well as that they be temporarily relocated, and allowed to return after repairs are made.
Must Read
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP
- Robert Kiyosaki begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’ — says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year
- Vanguard reveals what could be coming for U.S. stocks, and it’s raising alarm bells for retirees. Here’s why and how to protect yourself
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
Tenant rights: What landlords are required to fix
Tenants are protected by laws that say what conditions a rental unit must be in, and what landlords are required to provide. For tenants in privately owned rental housing who have a landlord that won’t make repairs, there are systems in place to help them get their issues addressed.
When you have a landlord who isn’t making repairs to your unit, there are steps you can take to get them to address the problems.
State and local laws generally cover tenants’ rights, though some are federally mandated (3). Most jurisdictions include laws around habitability of a unit, and require landlords to comply with state housing codes.
Most jurisdictions will uphold an implied warranty of habitability, which guarantees that a unit is safe and livable, even if it is not mentioned in a lease (3). This typically includes things like the unit being structurally sound; electrical, heating, plumbing and ventilation that work properly; smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; drinkable water; appliances that work correctly; lockable doors and windows; and a home free from pest infestations (3).
Steps tenants can take when living in unsafe conditions
Keeping records can help you to protect yourself if you are dealing with a repair issue. Inform your landlord in writing of any issues as soon as they arise, and keep copies of any notices or letters you send or receive. Document dates and times of any phone calls or in-person discussions. Take photos or videos of the issues if you are able.
Advertisement
State or local laws would dictate what steps tenants should take if their landlord is not complying with the law and making necessary repairs. For example, in New York City, residents whose landlords aren’t responsive to repair issues can file a complaint with the Department of Housing Preservation & Development, which will contact the landlord and advise them of the complaint, and that a violation will be issued if it’s not corrected (4).
When you live in publicly owned housing, the first steps would be the same as for privately owned housing: to contact the landlord or manager, and to be sure to document everything.
However, the next step in escalating a complaint for those in public housing is to contact your local housing authority (5). For the Chicago residents, this step has proved fruitless, even though the CHA is responsible for making sure their housing is safe and livable.
Residents of units that are under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) jurisdiction can also file a complaint with HUD.
If, like the Chicago residents, appealing to the appropriate government agencies has not led to any fixes to your home, seeking out legal advice is another option. The Chicago residents also had the support of housing advocates, such as Rev. Hood, who spoke on behalf of residents to the media. Contacting local media if your housing is dangerous or unlivable could help draw attention to your issues.
Residents who need help can also seek out tenants’ associations in their area who might be able to help. If you live in a complex where your neighbors also face similar issues, you could also talk to your neighbors about organizing together to make your demands. A tenants’ association can help you learn about organizing to make collective demands.
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
CBS News (1, 2); LawDepot (3); NYC (4); HUD (5)
You May Also Like
- Turning 50 with $0 saved for retirement? Most people don’t realize they’re actually just entering their prime earning decade. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast
- This 20-year-old lotto winner refused $1M in cash and chose $1,000/week for life. Now she’s getting slammed for it. Which option would you pick?
- Warren Buffett used these 8 repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Start using them today to get rich (and stay rich)
- Here are 5 easy ways to own multiple properties like Bezos and Beyoncé. You can start with $10 (and no, you don’t have to manage a single thing)
Rebecca Payne has more than a decade of experience editing and producing both local and national daily newspapers. She's worked on the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, Metro, Canada's National Observer, the Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press.
