building management didn't ask me if I want to extend my lease (Chicago: apartment)

[theateist]

My lease ends in 1.5 months. My current building management has NOT asked me whether I want to extend my lease or not. And suddenly I get calls from many agencies asking to show my apartment. I still haven't decided whether I want to extend my lease or not, but should not the current building management ask me at least? Can they start showing without asking me at least whether I want to extend my lease or not?

[andrew61]

Have you thought about asking them what's going on?

[MarianRavenwood]

No, they do not have to let you renew. They are required to give you 30 days' notice (written) of their intention not to renew. You are 45 days out, so they still have some time to declare their intentions. If they fail to provide this notice, you win the right to a 60-day extension of your lease.

Yes, they can show your apartment even if they haven't offered to renew your lease. Chicago landlord ordinance states that within 60 days of lease end, they may access your apartment for showings. They have to provide 2 days' advance notice of the appointment.

These to clauses in landlord-tenant ordinance means that there's a 30-day gap between when they can start showing your apartment and when they are required to notify you of their intention to not renew. But the fact that they are trying to show your apartment is basically your answer. You'll never know unless you ask them, of course. It's always possible that there was just a paperwork error. Turnover is expensive so most landlords avoid it if they can. Refusing to renew usually happens when tenant has been a problem--late on payments, many complaints, causing damage or violating lease terms, etc.

At the very least, I suggest you start looking around for a new home. At the very least, you should get an idea of the market, so that if they do offer renewal, you know if the rent increase is something you are willing to accept. Most people looking to move May 1 are already out there looking, so you will need to move quickly or all the good units will be taken.