Chicago Property Management Blog

Here at GC Realty & Development, we LOVE the city of Chicago. We live and breathe this city, many of us have for the majority of our lives. But when you're working in the real estate industry, specifically in the rental sphere, sometimes you have to deal with a bit of turbulence here.The legal landscape for landlords is changing in 2025, both in Chicago and the state of Illinois as a whole. Several updates to state law are here,...

An investor recently told me: “My house isn't Section 8 approved so I don't have to accept Section 8 applications.” He was partially right because he would need an inspection once he accepted a Section 8 tenant, but he was wrong in thinking he doesn't have to accept Section 8 applications. That said, there are three times Chicago landlords can legally decline Section 8. The bigger question is whether this is the ...

As 2025 approaches, Evanston landlords and property managers must prepare for significant updates to the Evanston Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). These changes, aimed at improving tenant protections, have many asking: Do the 2025 updates set landlords up to fail?If you own or manage rental property in Evanston, read on! We break down the key updates that go into effect on January 1, 2025, and offer compliance tips to help ...

Evicting a tenant in Cook County has long been a complex, time-consuming, and often frustrating process for landlords. For years, landlords and property managers in Chicago and the surrounding areas had to rely on the sheriff's office to carry out eviction orders. The bottleneck frequently created backlog delays, lengthy wait times, and inefficiencies. However, relief is on the way! A significant change to the Cook County eviction p...

The Illinois State Senate welcomed the new year with a new flood disclosure law, just one of several new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2025. If you own rental property in Chicagoland, you must understand and adhere to these new requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the new Illinois Flood Disclosure Law (SB2601) and how it might apply to your rental homes. What’s A Flood Zone?The Federal Emergency Manage...

Finding a rental property in Chicago with tight inventory these days can already be a challenge, but add a furry friend into the mix, and the search becomes even tougher. Many Chicago landlords are hesitant to allow pets due to concerns about damage or disruptions, but pet owners know how essential it is to find a welcoming, comfortable home that accommodates the whole family—including petsWhether you’re looking for Chicago ...

In the fast-paced world of real estate, building strong client relationships and maintaining a healthy lead pipeline is crucial. At GC Realty & Development, Business Development Manager (BDM) Shea Murray has excelled in doing just that—combining his background as a professional athlete with sales savvy to thrive in his role. In this blog, we dive into Shea's journey from the baseball diamond to the Chicago real estate mark...

Starting January 1, 2025, Illinois will introduce the Landlord Retaliation Act, a new law designed to protect tenants from landlord retaliatory actions. This law will significantly impact Chicago landlords and property managers, who must stay updated on the latest changes in Illinois landlord laws. In this blog, we’ll summarize what you should know about the 2025 Illinois Landlord Retaliation Act and offer practical advice on how ...

Are there still affordable neighborhoods in Chicago?  As a Property Manager we are seeing opportunities to not pay too much!When searching for houses for rent in Chicago, affordability often tops the list of priorities for renters. With Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, you can find a rental. It can fit your budget and have good amenities and convenience. As a leader in Chicago Property Management, we know the best, afforda...

Since 2021, the Illinois state-funded Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) has served as a vital resource for both tenants and landlords, especially during economic downturns and individual hardships.The 2025 program update introduces changes that impact Chicago landlords, affecting tenant support, eviction processes, and financial relief. As we approach the new year, it's crucial for landlords to understand how t...