Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-200
Severability (Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO))
Operative Text
If any provision, clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this chapter or application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall for any reason be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, said judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this chapter and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, but shall be confined in its operation to the provision, clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered and to the person and circumstances affected thereby. (Prior code § 193.1-19; Added Coun. J. 9-8-86, p. 33771; Amend Coun. J. 11-6-91, p. 7196)
Section 5-12-200 of the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-200) is a severability clause, meaning that if any single part of Chapter 5-12 is found unconstitutional or invalid by a court, only that specific part is affected. The rest of the chapter continues in full force and effect, unaltered by the court's ruling. This structural provision ensures that a legal challenge to one element of the ordinance does not unravel the protections and obligations established throughout the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-200 can take note that the ordinance is designed to remain intact even if a court invalidates a particular clause or section. Compliant operators generally continue to follow all other provisions of Chapter 5-12 regardless of any legal challenge directed at a specific part. This means that a court ruling narrowly striking down one requirement does not relieve landlords of their obligations under the remaining sections of the ordinance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-200 provides tenants with the assurance that their rights under the broader Chapter 5-12 ordinance are not eliminated simply because one provision is successfully challenged in court. The protections established throughout the chapter—covering areas such as security deposits, habitability, and retaliation—remain enforceable even if a separate clause is ruled invalid. Tenants who believe their rights under Chapter 5-12 have been violated may consider contacting a tenant-rights organization or consulting with a legal aid provider to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 12, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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