And unless it bit you, why are they making you do rabies vaccine?
Any time someone comes into close proximity with a bat, it's highly recommended you get the rabies shots. It sucks, I know, but is actually beneficial in the long run. Especially in a bedroom while you're sleeping... you have no idea if it landed on you (and possibly infected you) while you were sleeping. It might be over cautious, but this is definitely a situation where it's better to be safe than sorry.
Econ, that really really sucks. I second checking with a lawyer to see if you can legally break your lease, or if having a live bat inside counts as making it unlivable (therefore, no rent paid). Perhaps the mere mention of checking with a lawyer might make the management company or someone a bit more eager to help.
Contacted alderman, tenants' association and attorney.
Alderman said not likely ok to break lease and so did attorney. Tenants' association said same thing but with more detailed comments. Here was their response:
Hello
I am a volunteer and my role is to provide you with information about the laws governing your tenant’s rights. My role is not to advise you what to do or to provide an opinion as to the best recourse. If you wish to obtain legal counsel, please let me know and I can make some referrals.
Unfortunately, a single bat probably isn't enough to justify breaking your lease.
REPAIRS
Minor rodent issues should be treated like any repairs. The law that governs this is the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Under the RLTO, you have two options related to repairs, both which involve sending a letter and telling the landlord they have 14 days to fix the problems. One version of the letter tells the landlord you will deduct rent by a certain amount to reflect the new value of the apartment (you need to pick an amount that fairly reflects the reduced value; never more than 50%). A second option is to tell the landlord that you will pay to have the problem fixed yourself and then reduce your rent by the amount you paid. If you pay to get the repairs done, you should include a copy of all receipts with your rent check. You can find form versions of both letters here and here. No matter which one you choose, you should start documenting the problem immediately in writing.
** Be careful in making a deduction, if you withhold too much money, that can open you up to an eviction**
RODENTS
If there is a large infestation you could claim there is a large enough repair needed that, under the RLTO you have the option of terminating your lease. A sample letter for that approach can be found here.
If you do send a letter, give the landlord 14 days to fix it, send it via certified mail, and keep a copy for yourself.
Another option is to call 311 and file a complaint though it could take a while for a building inspector to come take a look.
A final option is that you could try to go to mediation. If you're interested in looking into that, call the Center for Conflict Resolution 312-922-6464 and they can give you some advice. If you have success with that, be sure to get any agreement in writing.
OTHER POSSIBILITIES
If you can find someone to sublet your apartment for the remainder of your lease, your landlord is obligated to accept a reasonable person.
Another way tenants can sometimes get out of a lease: Your landlord must give you a copy of the summary of the RLTO prepared by the City whether your lease is written or oral. This summary must be attached to the written lease or given to you when an oral agreement is reached. The summary is to be given to you at the time of a new lease or a renewal of an old lease.If your landlord failed to give you the summary, you may send your landlord a written notice requesting the summary or you may choose to end the lease or sue the landlord. If you prove that the summary was not given to you, you may sue to recover $100 plus attorney's fees. If you decide to end your lease, you must notify the landlord in writing and you must move out within 30 days of giving notice. In addition you must be able to prove that you never received the summary.
