Darcy Gans, a tenant at 444 Social Luxury Apartment Living, in Lincolnshire, said she was getting ready to celebrate the beginning of Passover on April 8 when the property manager knocked on her door and gave her a landlord’s five-day notice requesting an overdue rent payment.
Worries and confusion caused by the coronavirus pandemic have led to tensions surrounding eviction among tenants and landlords.
Scott Greenberg, property developer of Gans’ building, said the notice given to Gans and other tenants was a standard form that is used when rent payments are late “in a normal world.” But, he said, the property manager handing out the recent notices told tenants that it should be seen as a “friendly reminder” to pay rent.
He said he had no intention of evicting anyone. He said Gans was told multiple times that she would not be evicted.
“Did the governor’s order say all tenants have rent relief?” Greenberg said. “That wasn’t part of his order. His order said, ‘Don’t evict.'”
Governor J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, put in place amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, calls for all Illinois law enforcement officers to halt enforcement of residential evictions. The order does not, however, relieve individuals of paying rent, making mortgage payments or complying with other lease obligations, according to the text of the order issued in March.
“The enforcement of eviction orders for residential premises is contrary to the interest of preserving public health and ensuring that individuals remain in their homes during this public health emergency,” reads the order.
As a result of shuttered businesses and schools under Pritzker’s order, some tenants have lost their jobs, leaving them wondering how to pay rent and other bills. In return, tenants’ inability to pay creates worry for many landlords.
“We’ve had a lot of very concerned tenants and landlords contact us,” said Christopher Covelli, spokesman for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “And we do understand both sides of the issue.”
According to Covelli, Illinois landlords cannot forcefully remove tenants and their belongings on their own. They must first go through the court system and receive an eviction order from a judge.
If the tenant does not vacate the rental property, as ordered, the sheriff’s office has the lawful authority to remove someone from a residence. Right now, they aren’t doing that.
According to Gans, she hadn’t yet paid rent because the pandemic left her unable to work as a substitute teacher, and her husband is still living on disability benefits. But she said she always intended to eventually pay.
Gans said she ended up paying the amount shortly after receiving the five-day notice because, in addition to the fact that she would be moving out soon, she didn’t want to risk being taken to court when the governor’s order is lifted.
Covelli said it’s important for tenants to know that they don’t need to be scared of being evicted during this time, since the courts and sheriff’s offices are not enforcing evictions.
He said the sheriff’s office wants to see the community support each other and work together, because these are “trying times” for everyone.
“It’s stressful for property owners and tenants, and we understand that,” he said. “It’s our hope the community comes together and works with each other so we can all get back on our feet.”
kedquist@chicagotribune.com
Twitter: @kaitlinedquist
