The ordinance addresses the responsibilities of landlords and property owners in the City of Chicago to maintain safe and habitable living environments for tenants and visitors. It specifically amends Section 5-12-020 of the Municipal Code of Chicago to include new security requirements for landlords. The amendment stipulates that landlords must maintain their premises in a safe and secure manner, and if a property is classified as a "chronic illegal activity premises," the landlord is obligated to hire licensed private security officers to secure the premises 24/7 for a minimum of 18 months. This new section, 5-12-071, applies only to premises with four or more units within the city.

The ordinance also outlines the consequences for landlords who fail to comply with the security requirements. Tenants may recover damages or procure substitute housing if the landlord's noncompliance poses an immediate danger to health and safety. Additionally, tenants have the right to withhold rent or terminate the rental agreement under certain conditions if the landlord does not address the security issues within specified timeframes. The ordinance further amends Section 8-4-087 of the Municipal Code by inserting and deleting certain language, although the specific changes are not detailed in the summary. Lastly, Section 13-72-105 is repealed and replaced, emphasizing that the governing association of condominiums or cooperative buildings must maintain secure premises, but the City Council and Police Department are not generally responsible for securing private property. The ordinance takes effect 10 days after passage and publication.