Harvey, Ill., Mun. Code title 17 § 17-44-010
Civil action by the city to enforce compliance (Harvey Residential Landlord and Tenant Rights Regulations)
Operative Text
Whenever the assistant to the mayor or director of planning, or their designee has reasonable cause to believe that any landlord or tenant is engaged in a pattern or practice of violating the provisions of this title, or the landlord's operating license has been suspended, the city in addition to all other remedies provided herein, may bring a civil action by filing a complaint signed by the assistant to the mayor, setting forth the facts pertaining to such cause and shall have a right to one or more of the following; a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, the appointment of a receiver, and damages as hereinbefore provided. Such relief may be obtained against the landlord or tenant responsible and shall be as is necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this title and full enjoyment of rights herein established. In the event the court finds in favor of the landlord or tenant, the court shall award the landlord or tenant his costs, plus reasonable attorney fees. Before filing a complaint in court with respect to a violations of this title, the assistant to the mayor shall notify the offending tenant, landlord, operating licensee or other party designated to receive notices and service of process on behalf of such landlord or licensee requesting compliance. ( Ord. 3122 § 1 (part), 2004 )
Under Harvey, Ill., Mun. Code title 17 § 17-44-010, the City of Harvey is empowered to pursue civil legal action when its assistant to the mayor or director of planning has reasonable cause to believe a landlord or tenant is engaged in a pattern or practice of violating the city's housing title, or when a landlord's operating license has been suspended. The city may seek remedies including injunctions, restraining orders, receiver appointments, and damages. Importantly, before filing a court complaint, the city must first notify the offending party and request compliance. If the court ultimately rules in favor of the landlord or tenant, that party is entitled to recover their court costs plus reasonable attorney fees.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 17-44-010, compliant landlords generally maintain their operating licenses in good standing and address any city notices requesting compliance promptly, since the provision requires the city to issue such a notice before escalating to a court filing. Operators who receive a notice from the assistant to the mayor should treat it as a formal signal that the city has identified a potential pattern of violations. Landlords who prevail in any resulting civil action brought under this section are entitled to recover costs and reasonable attorney fees from the city.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 17-44-010 of Harvey's Municipal Code makes clear that tenants, like landlords, can be named in a city-initiated civil action if the city believes they are engaged in a pattern or practice of violating the housing title. However, the provision also protects tenants by requiring the city to issue a compliance notice before filing a court complaint, giving tenants an opportunity to address the issue first. Tenants who are named in such an action and ultimately prevail in court are entitled to recover their costs and reasonable attorney fees, and consulting a tenant-rights organization can help in understanding what that process involves.
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 8, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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