CHICAGO (AP) — CTM Legal Group secured a significant settlement for a Chicago tenant after a four-year legal battle over a wrongfully withheld security deposit, highlighting the importance of tenant rights protection under the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO).

The dispute began when a landlord refused to return a security deposit exceeding $4,000, despite documented evidence showing the rental unit was left in excellent condition. When initial attempts to recover the deposit were met with hostility, the tenant sought legal representation from CTM Legal Group.

"This case exemplifies how some landlords disregard Chicago's clear regulations protecting tenant security deposits," said Bill Tasch of CTM Legal Group. "What could have been resolved quickly instead became a lengthy legal battle due to the landlord's refusal to acknowledge these violations."

Before filing suit, CTM attempted to negotiate a settlement, offering the landlord a reduced payment option to resolve the matter efficiently. After these efforts were rebuffed, the firm proceeded with litigation.

The case culminated in an arbitration hearing, where arbitrators ruled in the tenant's favor, awarding the same amount that our client had offered to settle for, plus $10,000 for the attorney fees that had been incurred to bring the case through court. Despite this ruling, the landlord rejected the arbitration award, forcing the case toward trial.

"The landlord's decision to reject a reasonable initial settlement offer ultimately proved costly," noted Conor Grealish of CTM Legal Group. "The final settlement amount substantially exceeded our original proposal, demonstrating the expensive consequences of ignoring tenant rights."

The case resolution reinforces the effectiveness of Chicago's RLTO in protecting tenant rights and the potential consequences landlords face for non-compliance. CTM Legal Group's persistence over the four-year period ultimately secured justice for their client.

For more information about tenant rights under Chicago's RLTO, contact CTM Legal Group at 312-818-6700 or visit https://www.ctmlegalgroup.com/contact-us.