(Chicago, IL) Landlord refuses to fix collapsed ceiling while I'm still a tenant - how to proceed?
Chicago renter in apt for 10 yrs. When I moved in the ceiling would leak when it rained. Notified landlord and have a 10 yr history of photos/videos/text. Each rent increase I was told it would be fixed, it wasn't. Recently, leaking so bad a portion of the ceiling collapsed. I said to the landlord, you said this would be fixed with the last rent increase. He replied that he never signed the lease he sent me that I signed and any promises made were invalid yet apparently the rent increase wasn't invalid. Now he tells me he wont fix it until I move. In the ceiling hole is exposed black insulation, did a mold test - it's positive. I realize Lowes mold tests aren't considered that reliable but was a first step. The landlord laughed when i told him my mold concerns and said move in 30 days. The Chicago Fair Housing ordinance requires 120 days notice but I don't want to move, besides few other issues I love the apartment. He could have fixed this 9 yrs ago, not my fault the ceiling is collapsing. I've lost time & money cleaning after every rain, have a potential health issue due to mold & undue hardship/stress as I've been unemployed for 2 yrs which makes finding a new place difficult plus dealing with a recent shin splint that's limiting my mobility. Every rent increase came with the promise the ceiling would be fixed but were made under false pretenses. I always pay my rent. Recently the unit below me became available during the ceiling collapse, he could have offered that to me if he didn't want me in the unit when the ceiling was being fixed. He had years to fix this. I called 311, an inspector is to come by. I know the landlord will retaliate, if he cant get me to leave he'll raise the rent an incredible amount. Plus, I'll probably need to stay elsewhere while it's fixed which he should be responsible for. I have a tele-appt with Law firm in a couple of days. If they decide to take it on contingency, I'd think my take would cover relocation expenses and the cost of medical tests. Has anyone ever dealt with law firm under these circumstances? If so, would you advise against it?