Oglesby Towers Tenants Call for Negotiations on Rent Hikes
Residents of the South Shore building are organizing to address rising monthly costs and unresolved maintenance concerns.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Apartments
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Should local laws grant tenants more control over utility billing systems and maintenance standards?
Tenants at Chicago’s Oglesby Towers are calling for negotiations with landlord Stewart Handler to address maintenance problems and recent monthly rent hikes. Residents report that these increases, coupled with the introduction of a ratio utility billing system in 2025, have placed significant financial pressure on households.
Why it matters
The introduction of a new billing system has led to unpredictable housing costs, leaving many residents struggling to manage their monthly expenses. Combined with long-standing maintenance issues, these financial and structural challenges have prompted a public push for accountability.
Residents report rent increases of $300 to $500 monthly, with some tenants noting their costs have risen from $800 to as much as $1,600. The building in the 5th Ward is currently contending with reports of broken elevators, closed garbage chutes, and bedbugs.
The players
Stewart Handler
The landlord of Oglesby Towers who is facing calls for negotiation regarding building management and tenant costs.
Desmon Yancy
The Alderman for Chicago's 5th Ward who has supported tenants in their public push for housing improvements.
The details
The landlord utilizes a ratio utility billing system, which calculates tenant charges based on a formula rather than direct metered usage, a practice permitted under current Illinois law. Tenants have organized to demand a formal meeting with ownership to address these billing fluctuations alongside ongoing requests for building repairs and pest control.
Timeline
The ratio utility billing system was implemented at the building in 2025.
Tenants and the local alderman held a public demonstration on October 27, 2026.
The Home Front
The use of ratio utility billing systems is a documented trend in the rental market, often complicating household budgeting by moving away from fixed flat-rate utility payments. This shift highlights the broader tension between state-permitted billing practices and tenant expectations for predictable housing costs.
Renters facing unpredictable utility charges should review their lease agreements for specific language regarding billing systems. If you are experiencing maintenance issues in your own building, keep a detailed log of all communication with your management office and contact your local ward office for assistance.
The takeaway
Tenant organizing remains an effective way to highlight maintenance and cost grievances to management. If you are struggling with rising housing costs or unaddressed repairs, consider documenting every interaction with your landlord to build a formal case for negotiation.
Further reading
For guidance on local leasing regulations and tenant rights, visit our page on Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
Live Poll
Should local laws grant tenants more control over utility billing systems and maintenance standards?
