Tenants at Chicago's Oglesby Towers say a utility billing change added $300 to $500 to some monthly payments, leaving residents with unpredictable bills — and one woman fearing she will lose her home.
Here's what to know
Residents of the South Shore apartment building say a ratio utility billing system, known as RUBS, was introduced sometime in 2025 without a clear explanation of how monthly charges are calculated, according to WFLD.
The report does not establish a violation of Illinois law at Oglesby Towers, despite residents' complaints about unexplained charges and unpredictable payments.
State law allows these billing arrangements when landlords adhere to its requirements.
With no alternative housing available, resident Antoniette Gray faces eviction despite repeatedly submitting payments.
"When I first moved into this building, my rent was only $800 and some dollars a month. How did I end up paying $1,400 to $1,600 a month for rent?" Gray began.
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"Where did the extra money come from? What is this money for? Why do I owe this money? Every time we sent the rent in, they send a message back saying we still owe more money."
More background
For older tenants and people with disabilities, many of whom depend on fixed incomes, the building's maintenance problems pose particular difficulties, the tenants union noted.
Residents' complaints at Oglesby Towers include persistent bedbugs, elevators that do not work, and garbage chutes that have been closed.
Across the country, landlords have been reported to block simple, money-saving lifestyle changes, such as gardening and hanging clotheslines to dry laundry.
For renters seeking to negotiate established property rules, this resource on working with HOAs can offer a starting point for discussions with landlords, though HOA rules and rental agreements are different.
Tenants worry the billing system could reach other buildings.
Fifth Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy said Oglesby Towers landlord Stewart Handler also owns properties elsewhere in the ward.
What's being done?
Residents and their union want to raise concerns about maintenance, rent charges, and utility billing directly with Handler in a meeting.
Tenants have also pressed for changes publicly, and Yancy has, too.
Handler did not explain the charges in WFLD's report, though the outlet tried to reach him for a response. The union's requests to meet with the landlord had also gone unanswered.
Gray emphasized the financial strain of seemingly arbitrary bills she cannot explain.
"I'm being pushed out of this building in two weeks because of RUBS," she said.
Where can I learn more?
Renters elsewhere have also been hit with unexpectedly high utility bills and unclear charges. These stories follow tenants as they challenge charges and organize for change.
• San Diego tenants formed a council and won after their utility bills jumped from $60 to $289.
• San Diego renters say eviction threats followed their use of protections under a new utility law.
• A New Jersey tenant's electric bill doubled, with a meter showing triple the neighbors' draw.
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