Normal council approves ordinance to improve renter privacy

NORMAL (25News Now) - The Normal town council took a step forward on Monday to improve renter privacy.

The new ordinance now requires landlords to give renters 12-hours’ notice before entering and showing the property to potential future tenants.

This mostly impacts Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University students living off campus, as their landlords work to fill their spots for the next school year.

ISU students approached town staff during the previous school year about landlords not providing adequate notice to tenants before entering rental units for non-urgent matters.

Other communities with similar ordinances include Urbana, Dekalb and Evanston.

A group of students rejoiced over the 5-2 vote.

The only council members to vote no are Kathleen Lorenz and Scott Preston.

This 12-hour notice does not apply to situations where the landlord attempting to avoid damage to the property or injury, such as a burst water pipe.

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