Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-040
Abandonment of refrigerators (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
Any person who abandons or discards in any place accessible to children any refrigerator, ice box or ice chest of a capacity of one and one-half cubic feet or more which has an attached lid or door which may be opened or fastened shut by means of an attached latch, or who being the owner, lessee, or manager of any place or premises knowingly permits such abandoned or discarded refrigerator, icebox or ice chest to remain there in such condition, shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $200.00 or imprisoned for not more than 30 days, or both, for each offense. Every day that such violation continues shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense. (Prior code § 99-3.1; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99931, § 4.1)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-040, it is prohibited to leave a refrigerator, icebox, or ice chest with a latching door in any location where children can access it. Property owners, lessees, and managers who knowingly allow such an appliance to remain in that condition on their premises are equally liable. Each day the violation continues is treated as a separate offense, and penalties can include fines or even imprisonment.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-040 places direct responsibility on property owners, lessees, and managers who knowingly allow discarded latching refrigerators or iceboxes to remain in child-accessible areas. Compliant operators typically ensure that any discarded appliance with a latching lid or door is promptly removed, rendered inaccessible to children, or has its latch disabled before disposal. Because each day of continued violation is counted as a separate offense, swift action upon discovering such an appliance is a standard part of responsible property management in Chicago.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-040 gives tenants and community members a basis to flag situations where a landlord or property manager knowingly allows a latching refrigerator or icebox to remain in a place accessible to children. If such a condition exists on a rental property, residents may consider reporting it to the Chicago Department of Housing or another appropriate city enforcement body. Tenant-rights organizations can help explain available options, including how to document the violation given that each day it persists may constitute a separate offense.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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