Springfield wants to raise your rent
In order to compensate for the lost revenue collected from processing applications, Illinois rental housing providers will now have to increase rents. HB3564, introduced by State Rep. Nabeela Syed, aims to cap or eliminate various fees housing providers in Illinois can charge tenants, including application fees and late rent payment charges.
The labor to process and review an application costs more than the $20 limit the bill imposes. The bill also caps late-fee amounts.
Paying rent at the beginning of the month allows for the person to live in his residence that month, no different than being charged for a hotel room at check- in. When a tenant does not pay rent on time, that limits the funds available that the rental housing provider has to pay her mortgage, maintenance staff, etc. Now, her rental fee is like a payday loan. That tenant has decided to use the money meant for a roof over his head for something else. That needs to have consequences.
Punishing landlords does not solve nor increase the supply of housing that people with limited income can afford. Instead, it raises the rent payments for everyone.
Contact your state senators to oppose bill HB356, the Real Estate Human Rights Act.
Stephanie Victor
Lake Forest