Evanston, Ill., City Code § 5 § 5-3-5-3
MAINTAIN FIT PREMISES (Evanston Housing Regulations)
Operative Text
(A) The housing provider shall maintain the premises in substantial compliance with the applicable codes of the City and shall promptly make any and all repairs necessary to fulfill this obligation. (B) The housing provider and tenant of any dwelling unit may agree that the tenant is to perform specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations or remodeling only if: 1. The agreement of the parties is entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of evading the obligations of the housing provider and is set forth in a separate writing signed by the parties and supported by adequate consideration; and 2. The agreement does not diminish or affect the obligation of the housing provider to other tenants in the premises. (C) Housing provider must address, which may include commencing eviction proceedings, with tenant any and all violations of Section 5-3-4-5 , Prohibition against Criminal Activity on Premises, to ensure other tenants and occupants of the housing provider's property have housing free from criminal activity.
Evanston, Ill., City Code § 5 § 5-3-5-3 requires housing providers to keep rental premises in substantial compliance with city codes and to make repairs promptly. While a housing provider and tenant may agree in writing for the tenant to handle certain repairs or improvements, that agreement must be made in good faith, supported by adequate consideration, and cannot reduce the housing provider's duties to other tenants. Additionally, housing providers must actively address any violations of the criminal-activity prohibition under Section 5-3-4-5, up to and including initiating eviction proceedings, to protect the safety of all occupants.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Evanston, Ill., City Code § 5 § 5-3-5-3, compliant housing providers maintain their properties in substantial compliance with all applicable city codes and respond promptly to repair needs. When entering into written agreements that shift specific maintenance tasks to a tenant, operators ensure those agreements are genuinely negotiated, supported by adequate consideration, and do not compromise the housing provider's obligations to other tenants in the building. Housing providers also monitor for criminal-activity violations under Section 5-3-4-5 and take documented steps to address them, which may include commencing eviction proceedings, to preserve a safe environment for all residents.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Evanston, Ill., City Code § 5 § 5-3-5-3 establishes that tenants have a right to premises kept in substantial compliance with city codes, with repairs made promptly by the housing provider. If a tenant believes their housing provider is failing to meet this standard, general enforcement paths include raising the violation with the City of Evanston, documenting conditions, or consulting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies. Tenants should also be aware that § 5-3-5-3 protects all occupants from criminal activity on the premises, and housing providers are obligated to address such issues under Section 5-3-4-5, which may be relevant if a tenant is experiencing safety concerns in their building.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.