Joan M. Fenstermaker, P.C.

Attorney Representing Renters Only
in the City of Chicago

The KCRO is Now Law in Chicago

If you live in a foreclosed rental property in Chicago, you may be entitled to $10,600 or more in relocation assistance.
Visit KCROLawyer.com for information.

Joan M. Fenstermaker, P.C.

Tenant Lawyer Representing Renters in Chicago

The Law Office of Joan M. Fenstermaker, P.C. Does Not Represent Landlords

312.371.6473

Call for a No-Cost Consultation

Problems with your landlord? We can help!
Joan M. Fenstermaker, P.C. represents tenants in the city of Chicago

Sorry, we do not handle evictions

Security Deposit

If you live in Chicago and your lease is subject to the RLTO*, there are very specific rules that your landlord must follow regarding your security deposit. If the landlord violates the RLTO regarding your deposit, your landlord may owe you two times your deposit plus attorney’s fees!

Break Your Lease

Do you need to break your lease? There may be a way to terminate your lease without penalty if your landlord did not give you the proper paperwork when you were given the lease. We can review your lease for you and let you know your options.

Foreclosure

Has your landlord lost your building in foreclosure? If the new owner wants you to move, you may be entitled to relocation assistance up to $10,600. Contact Joan to discuss your options. Know your rights!

Retaliation

A landlord cannot threaten eviction in retaliation for exercising your rights. Renters are protected by the RLTO from a landlord trying to evict them for exercising their rights under the law. Know your rights!

Sublease

Do you need to move before your lease is up? If your tenancy is governed by the RLTO, your landlord is required to accept a reasonable sub-tenant without charging you a fee. Call to find out if your situation qualifies!

Illegal lockout

In the City of Chicago, a landlord cannot force you out of your apartment without an order from a judge. If your landlord is threatening to lock you out of your apartment, call us to find out your rights.

Illegal Late Fees

If your tenancy is governed by the RLTO, there is a maximum amount that your landlord can charge you for late fees. If the landlord charges you a late fee in excess of what is allowed, your landlord may owe you two months rent plus attorney’s fees!

Riser Project/Rehab

Has your building announced a Riser Project or major rehab or renovation that will involve work being done in your unit that will interfere with your daily life? Contact Joan to find out if you may have rights available under the law.

*RLTO is the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. The RLTO governs most types of apartments in Chicago (the most common exception is owner-occupied buildings with fewer than seven units)

An Advocate for Renters

landlord tenant lawyer Joan M. Fenstermaker

Representing Tenants Rights in Chicago

As a landlord tenant lawyer, Joan focuses on helping renters resolve issues with landlords. Joan and Nick have successfully represented numerous tenants in obtaining the return of their security deposits and other landlord problems. There is no charge for an initial consultation to discuss your case. In most cases, you will not have to pay any attorney’s fees from your own pocket.
Joan M. Fenstermaker, P.C. does not represent landlords.

Free Consultation

Call or email for a no-cost consultation.
(312) 371-6473
Please, no walk-ins

About us

An attorney at one of the best-known landlord law firms in Chicago had this to say about Joan:

“Joan Fenstermaker is an outstanding tenant-side attorney. I deal with her when she represents tenants against my clients. Not fun for me, but she is very good.”

Joan M. Fenstermaker

Joan Fenstermaker graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Business Management in 1991. She graduated from DePaul University College of Law in 1994.

Although Joan has over two decades of litigation experience in a wide variety of cases, she most enjoys representing tenants who are being treated unfairly by their landlords. Joan has represented thousands of tenants and is well-versed in protecting tenants’ rights. Joan is a zealous advocate for her clients and doesn’t hesitate to fight for them.

Joan only represents tenants; she does not represent landlords. She has a strong track record of getting excellent results for her clients, as evidenced by her numerous 5 star Google reviews. Joan is passionate about tenants’ rights, and is on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization. When she isn’t working to protect her clients’ rights, she spends her time thinking of ways to make life better for her cats.

Nicholas Winston Bailey, Associate

Nick, originally a southern boy, graduated the University of Chicago in 2006 with an Economics degree and made Chicago his permanent home. He graduated from the Northwestern University School of Law in 2014. Shortly after he was admitted to the bar, Joan took him under her wing as an associate attorney and all he has practiced since is protecting tenants’ rights in the city of Chicago.

Nick enjoys working in the area of tenants’ rights because he gets to use the legal system, which can so often be crushing and unfair to the “little guy,” to help ordinary people with housing issues, which can have a very real and immediate effect on their lives. Nothing gives him more satisfaction than solving a tenant’s problems in a way they didn’t even think was possible. Nick wants his clients to feel like they have an experienced advocate who can help them navigate the legal system.

What Our Clients Say

“Joan was truly awesome – after being told by a few lawyers I didn’t have a case, Joan was persistent and creative in understanding what tools we could use. Joan ended up helping me win a good sum of money, and was always eager to keep the case moving forward. Wonderful to work with.”
—Jake

“Joan Fenstermaker was a huge help in my landlord dispute case. She assisted in getting me back my security deposit in a quick and timely manner, and was very communicative (which was perfect for me, considering how anxious I was over needing a lawyer for the first time in my life). She was regularly available by phone, text, or email for any issues or questions I had, and the whole process ran smoothly with her at the helm. I am eternally grateful to her for her assistance!”
—Megan

“We were referred to Joan thru a colleague and within hours of our first call with her we had information that laws had been broken and in our case we were rewarded $15k+ within 2 months. Joan knew the details of our case minute to minute and we both agree that Joan is one of the best lawyers we have encountered. When your lawyer is focused and cares like Joan does, it is apparent in the outcome of your case. We can't rave enough about her expertise and professionalism, this resulted in a quick settlement on our rental agreement. Our landlord thought they could take advantage of good paying people that didn’t want to have to file a law suit, we are so thankful we did. Honest people do win!”

“Joan represented me through a long, difficult lawsuit against my landlord. She never gave up on it and pushed it through to its resolution and our win over one year later! She was incredibly persistent, helpful, supportive, professional, and kind. I would highly, highly recommend Joan to anyone having landlord issues!”
—Tamara

Consultation

Contacting Joan M. Fenstermaker, P.C. does not create an attorney-client relationship and nothing on this site shall lead to the creation of an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship may be created only upon both the attorney and the client signing a written engagement letter. Please do not send any confidential information until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.

Disclaimer

The information contained on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. It is intended to be general information and may not be complete or current. You should always consult an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation before taking any legal action or acting in a manner which might impact your legal rights. The owner and attorney responsible for this website and the content herein is Joan M. Fenstermaker, an Illinois attorney licensed to practice only within the state of Illinois. There may be time limitations to file your claim.
Attorney Advertising

Joan M. Fenstermaker, P.C.

Attorney Representing Renters Only
in the City of Chicago

The KCRO is Now Law in Chicago

Joan M. Fenstermaker, P.C.

Tenant Lawyer Representing Renters in Chicago

The Law Office of Joan M. Fenstermaker, P.C. Does Not Represent Landlords

312.371.6473

Call for a No-Cost Consultation