When I first got into property management on the South Side of Chicago, I learned a lot about what not to do and to ask basic questions. For example, I walked into one of our new buildings and saw these bright orange notices taped to the door.
So I asked the most basic question possible: Why are there orange signs on the door that say the water is going to be turned off? Now, some people might have felt dumb asking that. But that one question saved me a world of problems.
It turns out the previous owner hadn’t paid the water bill. If I had just shrugged and kept walking, or worse, never visited the property to begin with, the water could’ve been shut off. Every tenant in the building would’ve been left without one of the most essential services a building needs.
It would’ve been inhumane… and a lawsuit waiting to happen.
The Legal Risk of Not Asking Basic Questions
In Chicago, landlords are legally required to maintain access to water, heat, and other essentials under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. Ignoring something as simple as a notice could land you in violation of the law—fast.
At Marblestone Property Group (MPG), we specialize in hands-off property management across Chicagoland. Our success didn’t come from knowing everything—it came from asking early, staying humble, and learning fast.
Small Questions, Big Protection
We’ve seen firsthand how small issues snowball when ignored. Whether it’s a water notice or what looks like “just a small leak, ” if something looks off, we’ve learned to ask questions.
I’ve learned that if you don’t know the answer, pretending to be smart is just dumb. If you don’t understand something your property management company does, ask questions. It’s better to protect your building, tenants, and peace of mind rather than worry about looking dumb.
If you need help, MPG is here! Schedule some time with us to ask your questions!