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1. What is the Crime Free Rental Nuisance Housing Program?

The program is a partnership between the South Chicago Heights Police Department, Building Department, the owners and managers of this property, and the residents, to keep drugs and other illegal activity out of our community.

2. Are you saying this property is free of crime, meaning no crime will happen?

No. Crime knows no address. It can occur anywhere. What “crime free” means is that if you live here you will be expected to live a “crime free” lifestyle. You will be required to sign a “Crime Free Addendum” to your lease.

3. Does this mean there is a problem with crime at this property?

Actually, property managers join the program so they won’t have the crime problems. This community has also joined the program because we are committed to providing a safe community for our residents.

4. What do I have to do to join the Crime Free Rental Housing Nuisance Program?

The property manager and staff adopt the Crime Free Lease Addendum (PDF) provided by the South Chicago Heights Police Department.

The property meets security requirements for resident’s safety.

5. How does this affect the landlord?

At the time of a rental application, the tenant will receive a copy of the Crime Free Lease Addendum (PDF) that the tenant and the landlord are required to sign if the tenant wishes to live at said property. The police department will be conducting a background check and may deny the tenants application based on criminal history.

Benefits of an effective Crime Free Rental Housing Nuisance Program include:

• A stable, more satisfied tenant base
• Increased demand for rental units
• Lower maintenance and repair costs
• Increased property values
• Improved personal safety for tenants, owners and managers
• Peace of mind that comes when spending more time on routine management and less time on crisis control
• Fewer requests for police service