Is this legal in Chicago? Chicago, Ill

[Bethy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

I recently went to Chicago to visit my son who moved there 2 months ago. He shares a 2 bedroom apt w/ another male. They are on the ground floor and while I understand bars on the windows, NONE of the windows were able to open except an envelope size window in the bathroom.

They also are located next to the shared laundry room, which is not correctly set up for the water to empty into the utility sink, but rather, empties on the cement (w/ a drain in the middle of the room) floor but the gush is so strong, it has penetrated through the door leading into my son's apt. The bottom of the door frame is constantly soaked. I am concerned w/ them ending up breathing in mold w/ no ventilation in there.

I know this is up to them to deal with, should they choose, but is this legal? I thought all bedrooms should have a way to escape in the event of a fire or something.
thank you

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

I recently went to Chicago to visit my son who moved there 2 months ago. He shares a 2 bedroom apt w/ another male. They are on the ground floor and while I understand bars on the windows, NONE of the windows were able to open except an envelope size window in the bathroom.

They also are located next to the shared laundry room, which is not correctly set up for the water to empty into the utility sink, but rather, empties on the cement (w/ a drain in the middle of the room) floor but the gush is so strong, it has penetrated through the door leading into my son's apt. The bottom of the door frame is constantly soaked. I am concerned w/ them ending up breathing in mold w/ no ventilation in there.

I know this is up to them to deal with, should they choose, but is this legal? I thought all bedrooms should have a way to escape in the event of a fire or something.
thank you

You are right. This is up to them to deal with. You simply do not have enough information on the matter.

 

[FarmerJ]

I would bet the city has a ordinance that requires windows to be operable , BTW while there did you notice if it was something real dumb like windows being painted shut ? SO ultimately its up to your son and his roomate as to what they want to do. BUT your free to suggest to your son that he send to the landlord a certified letter telling the LL he has tried to open windows up and they will not , and windows that will not open are not acceptable since they are one part of the apartments structural mechanical systems & a safety issue if they are needed for fire exits. Tell him to keep one copy for him self of the letter and to staple it to his certified mail receipt , this way he has a paper trail proving he has notified the landlord of the problem.