At Brabender Law, we represent tenants in Chicago and Cook County. Our practice is dedicated to helping renters recover security deposits, break leases fairly, pursue claims for injuries caused by unsafe housing, and resolve both residential and commercial landlord-tenant disputes. We also handle tenant class actions when landlords engage in widespread misconduct.
Our Core Practice Areas
Tenants’ Rights & Advocacy
Landlords sometimes rely on tenants not knowing their rights. We handle a wide range of issues including illegal lockouts, retaliation, harassment, habitability problems, and enforcement of local ordinances. Whether your landlord is breaking the rules or simply refusing to deal fairly, we step in to protect your rights and push for practical solutions.
Learn more about tenants’ rights and advocacy →
Security Deposit Disputes
Chicago and Cook County have strict rules for how landlords must handle security deposits, yet violations are common. We step in when deposits are unfairly withheld, demanding repayment and pursuing penalties when the law allows. Our firm has helped hundreds of tenants recover money quickly, often without ever going to court.
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Lease Breaks & Early Termination
Life changes, and sometimes a lease no longer fits your situation. We advise tenants on their rights under local ordinances, negotiate with landlords, and push back against unfair demands. Our goal is to protect you from unnecessary costs while helping you move on without financial strain.
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Tenant Injuries & Unsafe Conditions
Landlords have a duty to keep rental properties safe. When they ignore repairs or fail to maintain their buildings, tenants can suffer serious injuries. We represent tenants who have been harmed by unsafe conditions, working to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the disruption caused by negligent landlords.
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Commercial Tenant Disputes
For small businesses, disputes with a landlord can disrupt operations and threaten your bottom line. We represent commercial tenants in conflicts involving repairs, build-outs, lease enforcement, and wrongful eviction. Our approach is practical – protecting your investment, securing your rights, and working toward solutions that allow your business to keep running
Tenant Class Actions
When a landlord’s misconduct affects many renters, class actions can provide real leverage. We organize groups of tenants to challenge systemic issues such as widespread deposit theft, illegal fees, or unsafe housing practices. By acting together, tenants can hold landlords accountable on a larger scale and stop harmful practices across entire buildings or portfolios.
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Why Tenants Choose Brabender Law
Tenants often feel powerless when dealing with landlords, especially those with more resources and experienced attorneys. At Brabender Law, we focus exclusively on tenant cases, which means every strategy, resource, and argument is designed to protect renters.
Over the years, we have recovered millions of dollars for tenants in disputes involving deposits, leases, injuries, and class actions. Our experience allows us to resolve many cases quickly and effectively, often without the need for court, because we know how to apply the law in ways that landlords cannot ignore.
Our practice is tenant-only, and that focus matters. We know the local ordinances, the patterns of landlord behavior, and the strategies that actually work in Cook County courts. By narrowing our practice to this area, we provide the kind of representation that general litigation firms cannot match.
We also believe in keeping the process clear and manageable for clients. From the first conversation, you will know your options and what to expect at each step. Clients come to us stressed and uncertain, but they leave with answers, a plan, and the confidence that their rights are being taken seriously.
How to Get Help
If your landlord is withholding money, ignoring repairs, or refusing to follow the law, Brabender Law can step in. We focus only on tenant cases in Chicago and Cook County, and we know how to get results.
Reach out today to discuss your situation and learn what options are available to protect your rights