Chicago Heights — Ch. 22 Housing, Dangerous Buildings and Structures § 22-13
Recovery of costs and liens pertaining thereto
Operative Text
The cost of such demolition or repair incurred by the corporate authorities or by lienholder of record is recoverable from the owner or owners of such real estate and is a lien thereon, which lien is superior to all prior existing liens and encumbrances except taxes; provided that within sixty (60) days after such repair or demolition the corporate authorities or the lienholder on record who has incurred the cost and expense shall file notice of lien of such cost and expense incurred in the office of the recorder in Cook County. The notice shall consist of a sworn statement setting out: (1) A description of the real estate sufficient for identification thereof; (2) The amount of money representing the cost and expense incurred; and (3) The date or dates when the cost and expense was incurred by the corporate authorities or by the lienholder of record; Upon payment of the cost and expense by the owner of or persons interested in the property after notice of lien has been filed, the lien shall be released by the corporate authorities or the person in whose name the lien has been filed and the release may be filed of record as in the case of filing notice of lien. The lien may be enforced by proceedings to foreclose as is the case of mortgages on mechanic's lien. An action to foreclose such a lien must be commenced within three (3) years after the date of filing notice of lien.
Under Chicago Heights Ch. 22 § 22-13, when the city or a lienholder of record pays for the demolition or repair of a dangerous building, those costs become a lien against the property — one that takes priority over most other existing liens and encumbrances, with the exception of taxes. To establish this lien, the party that incurred the costs must file a sworn notice with the Cook County Recorder within 60 days of completing the work. Once the lien is filed, it can be enforced through foreclosure proceedings, but any such action must be initiated within three years of the filing date.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners subject to Chicago Heights Ch. 22 § 22-13 should be aware that if the city or a lienholder steps in to repair or demolish a structure on their behalf, the resulting costs attach to the property as a priority lien. Compliant operators generally monitor their properties to avoid triggering city-initiated action, and they address any outstanding repair orders before a lien is filed. If a lien is filed, owners who pay the full cost and expense can obtain a formal release, which should then be recorded to clear the title.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
While Chicago Heights Ch. 22 § 22-13 primarily governs the financial relationship between property owners and the city or lienholders, tenants may find it relevant when a building has been subject to city-ordered repairs or demolition. The existence of a lien under this provision can affect the ownership and financial stability of a rental property, which may have implications for habitability and tenancy. Tenants who have concerns about building conditions or city enforcement actions may wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization or consult the Cook County Recorder's office to review any filed notices.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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