Slumlords of Kankakee County and Surrounding Counties

10/26/2026

I'm excited to announce the transition from Slumlords of Kankakee County and Surrounding Counties to Kankakee County Know Before You Rent. I feel this new name better reflects the purpose of what we're trying to build. While the group is visible to everyone on Facebook, discussions will remain private and limited to members. My goal has never been to create a forum for attacking landlords. Instead, I want to provide a safe, respectful space where renters can share their personal experiences with landlords and property management companies throughout Kankakee County. I encourage members to share both positive and negative experiences. Honest feedback helps renters make informed decisions, recognizes landlords who are doing things right, and promotes accountability when concerns arise. My hope is that this group becomes a trusted community resource where renters can learn from one another, ask questions, and make better-informed housing decisions. Thank you to everyone who has supported this effort. I look forward to building a positive, respectful, and helpful community together.

09/17/2026

Every landlord I met in Kankakee County were NO pets allowed. Several denied my cat that is my ESA. This was blatant discrimination and illegal. My cat as an ESA has more protection against housing discrimination than I do.

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires landlords to accommodate tenants with an ESA. It also prohibits pet fees, pet rent, and most breed or weight restrictions. A valid ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional is required for FHA protection, ensuring landlords must accommodate your ESA, even in pet-restricted housing.

Every landlord I met in Kankakee County were NO pets allowed. Several denied my cat that is my ESA. This was blatant discrimination and illegal. My cat as an ESA has more protection against housing discrimination than I do.

09/14/2026

🏚️ Being a landlord is a responsibility, not a license to neglect.

Too many tenants are forced to live with unsafe conditions, ignored maintenance requests, pest infestations, broken heating or cooling, and endless excuses from slumlords who collect rent but refuse to uphold their obligations.

Everyone deserves a safe, clean, and dignified place to call home. Housing is not just about buildings, it's about people, families, seniors, and children who rely on landlords to do the right thing.

If you're dealing with a negligent landlord, document everything, know your rights, and don't be afraid to speak up. Accountability creates change.

💬 Have you ever experienced living in a poorly maintained rental? Share your story below and help raise awareness.

09/11/2026

🚨 TENANT CHECKLIST: DOCUMENT LANDLORD NEGLECT 🚨
Don't let a slumlord say, "You never told me."
✅ Take photos of the problem
✅ Record video if the damage is ongoing
✅ Save all texts and emails
✅ Keep a repair request log
✅ Write down dates and times
✅ Take follow-up photos if conditions worsen
✅ Save receipts for related expenses
✅ Request responses in writing
✅ Keep copies of inspection reports
✅ Store everything in one folder

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⚖️ YOUR BEST DEFENSE IS PROOF
📸 Photos�📝 Records�📧 Communication�💰 Receipts
🚩 Slumlords count on tenants not documenting problems.

09/11/2026

Know the law, protect your rights, keep documentation…

09/08/2026

Safe and Habitable Housing is a Basic Human Right!

⚠️At the moment this page is public. I’m working on the Group page that will have hidden visibility and be private.⚠️

‼️ I am open to hearing from y’all about what you want to see in the group page. Please comment below! 👇‼️

My main priority at the moment is keeping out all landlords and property managers. This is for y’all. I want this to be a safe place for everyone to share their personal experiences. Also to come here for advice if needed. I don’t want people to feel uncomfortable or afraid to speak out about their experiences with the Slumlords of Kankakee County and beyond.

09/08/2026

What comes to mind when you hear the word SLUMLORD?

Here’s my thoughts:
A slumlord is a landlord who rents out properties while failing to maintain them in a safe, healthy, and livable condition. The term is usually used negatively to describe property owners who prioritize profit over the well-being of their tenants.

Common characteristics of a slumlord include:

— Ignoring necessary repairs such as leaks, broken heating systems, or electrical problems.

— Allowing unsafe conditions like mold, pest infestations, or structural damage.

— Violating housing codes and safety regulations.

— Delaying or refusing to respond to tenant complaints.

— Renting substandard housing, often to vulnerable tenants who have limited housing options.

For example, if a landlord knows a roof is leaking and allows the problem to continue for months, causing mold and property damage, that behavior could be considered characteristic of a slumlord.

In short, a slumlord is a landlord who neglects their legal and ethical responsibilities to provide safe and habitable housing.

09/08/2026

I want to thank all the new followers. Also, I’m hoping to have the private group up & going by the end of the week.

Please comment below on what you would like to see the group do. ⬇️⬇️ Thank you!