Evanston, IL Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- reasonable cause of a violation
- Occupied units
- credentials shown, entry requested
- Vacant units
- owner located first
- Enforced by
- Building & Development Services code official
- Fine range
- $150 to $750 per offense
Summary
Evanston's code official can enter and inspect a rental unit once there is reasonable cause, typically a tenant's report, to believe a Property Maintenance Code violation exists there.
Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or whenever the code official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a structure or upon a premises a condition in violation of this code, the code official is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or perform the duties imposed by this code, subject to the restrictions imposed by State and Federal law. If such structure or premises is occupied, the code official shall present credentials to the occupant and request entry. If such structure or premises is unoccupied, the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner, owner's authorized agent, or other person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the code official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Section 105.3 of the Property Maintenance Code lets the code official, the Building & Development Services Division Manager or designee, enter a structure or premises to inspect whenever there is reasonable cause to believe a violation exists, which in practice includes tenant reports of conditions like no heat or unsafe wiring. If the unit is occupied, the inspector must present credentials and request entry; if it is unoccupied, the official must first try to locate the owner or agent before entering. If entry is refused, the City can pursue the legal remedies available to secure access.
Violations & Fines
Refusing a lawful inspection does not block enforcement: the code official can pursue legal remedies to secure entry, and confirmed violations carry fines from $150 for a first offense up to $750 for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tenant force the city to inspect their apartment?
What happens if my landlord refuses to let the inspector in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evanston
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