Difficult tenant move out- recommendations?

[Account Closed]

Hello,

My tenants who I have already gone over and beyond for (my fault and learning experience) decided that their lease ends on the 1st and not the 31st of the month without notifying me. 

This is causing me issues because I have to take time off work to clean, and new tenants are pushed back on their move in time to the evening. 

To top it off when I told them they need to pay for 1 day they’re staying over they have ignored my messages. They have a very combative personality and are legal minded. 

Do I stand a chance in small claims to file for one day they refused to pay, legal charges and my wages lost from work because tenants unitarily extended their contract by one day without asking. 

Is there any flat fee lawyer in Chicago that can help me file this?

Thank you for any recommendations or suggestions. 

[Melanie P.]

You have no cause of action relating to your wages.

You do not have to accept the tenant's interpretation of your lease. If the lease was through the 31st then they owe rent until the new tenant starts paying rent or July 31 whichever is first. You can deduct that from their security deposit, send to collections or sue them. 

You can hire a cleaner to clean, charge the tenant who left the space dirty and not leave your high-paying job to do low-wage work.