Dec 13, 2024
Illinois landlord Genetta Hull faces an uphill battle trying to evict Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard from her property. Hull says she began renting the home to Henyard and her boyfriend, Kamal Woods, in 2021, but claimed in an Oct. 22 NBC Chicago report that she'd received no payment since August and she was owed $5,000 in overdue rent and late fees.
"For a household that makes over $350,000 a year, I am asking for pennies," she said. Previous reporting by the station indicated the couple's rent was $2,400 per month.
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As mayor of the Illinois village, Henyard's salary is supposed to be $46,000, according to the Chicago Tribune's Daily Southtown, but she also serves as Thornton Township's supervisor, which comes with a salary of $224,000. Woods also works as part of the township's youth assistance program, and a township trustee told the publication that Woods is paid a six-figure salary.
Despite several attempts to resolve the tenancy issue — even calling the sheriff multiple times to serve the couple — Hull claims they have been unresponsive. Further complicating matters, she told NBC Chicago that the house's locks were changed and she can't access the garage.
"I don't think the money is worth it," she admitted to the local broadcaster. "I would have rather rented to someone who is an honest person and works hard. As a mayor, you would think they would uphold positive citizen standards. You don't see that with these people, they just feel like they can do whatever they want."
Henyard's tenure in public service has been rife with scandal. She's the focus of a number of investigations and lawsuits pertaining to both her roles, according to NBC Chicago, including for alleged financial mismanagement, corruption and retaliation. On Oct. 15, she announced her bid for a second term as Dolton's mayor, while on Dec. 3, she lost her bid to be the Democratic nominee for the township supervisor role in the upcoming election.
An attorney for Henyard declined to comment on the broadcaster's Oct. 22 eviction story.
Navigating evictions for landlords
In Dolton, Illinois, which is located in Cook County, strict tenant protection laws require landlords to adhere to a detailed eviction process. Landlords must first issue a written notice to end the lease, file an eviction case in court, serve the tenant with eviction papers and attend eviction court, either on a video call or in person.
If they don't have a lawyer, tenants may be referred to Cook County's Early Resolution Program, which connects residents to resources for rental assistance, mediation and legal aid.
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Although this process is designed to protect tenants from exploitative landlords, it can complicate matters for landlords when tenants refuse to pay rent or communicate, making resolution a challenge even for compliant property owners.
Do keep in mind that tenancy laws may vary by jurisdiction.
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Other ways to invest in real estate
The responsibilities of property management can sometimes make investing in real estate less appealing. But those looking to invest without the hands-on hassle have other options.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs), for instance, allow investors to purchase shares in a diversified portfolio of income-generating properties without the direct responsibilities of a landlord. Think of them as giant landlords — the fund purchases the properties, collects rent and then passes a portion of that income on to shareholders in the form of dividend payments. REITs are publicly traded, making them easy to access.
Crowdfunding investment platforms also allow you to invest in commercial and residential properties by purchasing a percentage of a property. While some options target investors with deeper pockets, many platforms enable you to invest as little as $100.
If you're looking for a more accessible and diversified way to invest in real estate, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a good option. Real estate-focused ETFs can provide exposure to a broad portfolio of REITs and real estate stocks, allowing you to tap into real estate's potential without the commitment of owning property. Traded on major exchanges, ETFs make it easy to buy and sell shares as your needs change.
With several hands-off real estate investment options available, investors can still gain exposure to real estate's potential returns without the everyday challenges of collecting rent.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
