Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-360
Removal of refuse before vacation of premises (Chicago Health Nuisances Ordinance)
Operative Text
It shall be the duty of every person occupying or controlling any lot, building, or structure, or any portion thereof, to remove or cause to be removed therefrom, before vacating the same, all garbage, ashes, miscellaneous waste and manure. (Prior code § 99-29)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-360, anyone who occupies or controls a lot, building, structure, or any part of one is required to clear out all garbage, ashes, miscellaneous waste, and manure before they vacate the space. The rule applies broadly to both occupants and those who exercise control over a property, meaning it is not limited to any single category of person. Its effect is to ensure that waste is not left behind when a space changes hands or is abandoned.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-360 generally confirm that outgoing tenants have removed all refuse—including garbage, ashes, and miscellaneous waste—before a unit or space is considered vacated. Compliant operators typically include waste-removal obligations in move-out checklists and conduct inspections at the end of a tenancy. Because the provision also applies to those who 'control' a property, landlords who take back possession of a space may themselves bear responsibility for ensuring it is cleared of waste.
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. 7-28 § 7-28-360 places a duty on occupants to remove all garbage, ashes, miscellaneous waste, and manure before leaving a rental unit or other space. Tenants who are aware of this obligation can document their move-out condition—such as through dated photographs—to demonstrate compliance if a dispute arises over the state of the premises. Those with questions about how this provision interacts with their lease or security deposit rights may find it useful to consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with Chicago municipal code.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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