All Forum Posts by: Jay Garrison

I would weigh:

1. The costs of getting it "legal" not just in terms of paperwork but wiring, plumbing, meeting building codes, etc. 
2. If you get caught, do the benefits of getting away with it exceed the potential liability and headache? Chicago is a tenant friendly city and I would worry about not just the city but a tenant taking me to court. I would also wonder how many rights I had as a landlord when I was renting out a unit that was set up to skirt the law.
3. If anything goes wrong, your insurance may not cover an illegal unit, whether you can prove you "knew" it was illegal or not. 

 @Jonathan Klemm:

Thanks for that information, it's really appreciated. I will contact the water department to see about getting a meter. 

@Mark Ainley

That would be great, thanks! So glad to hear of this.

@John Clark,

I have no problem with the city being careful over who accesses the system, but I have been on the list for a meter install for awhile now; I got a notice about the suspension of the free meter installation from whoever administers the list. Calling to see when it will get moving again gets me nowhere. I suspect that the city is no hurry to  complete their investigation.

My adlerwoman is of little help TBH. I am not sure what is and isn't in an alderperson's wheelhouse; but that said, she isn't as dialed in as I would hope she'd be.

@Emanuel,

I hear you about not wanting any nasty surprises. From what I understand through talking with other homeowners nearby and in posts here on BP, the best way to save on a water bill is by getting your service metered. If nothing else, you can see where the usage is, right? 

Hello,

I have an unmetered rental property in Chicago and my water bill is ridiculous. The city has put a freeze (pardon the pun) on water meter installations while they "investigate" problems with old/lead pipes. Meanwhile, everyone is getting these enormous bills. I called a plumbing contractor about paying to get a meter installed myself and was told that only the city can install them. I've contacted 311, Citizens United.. no luck. Any advice? Thanks!

Thanks Connor! 

 Thanks Ricardo! I would like to have his number, that'd be great.

Thanks Jonathan, I am on the 5400 block of South Aberdeen, just east of Sherman Park. This neighborhood is called New City, near Englewood.

Hi,

I have a branch that is mostly sheared off the tree in my neighbor's yard. The tree itself is alive and well-ish, but this branch is hanging over my power lines. Since it's on private property the city won't do anything, and my neighbor and I would like to find someone who can at least remove the branch, if not the whole tree. The tree itself is leaning over my neighbor's house. Any recommendations?

Thanks for the replies. I will add him to the lease (for a six month period, will get legal advice on how to do that) and ask for an additional $50 per month, since I am paying for their electricity. 

@Melissa Rios Did you charge anything extra?