Residential and Commercial Landlord & Tenant Law Attorney in Belleville, Illinois

Our law office strives toward making sure Landlords and Tenants, commercial or residential fulfill their leases and have fair treatment. In addition to court orders and litigation, we can help with cases via mediation disputes without filing a case with the court.


You can entrust your case to me, Paul M. Storment III, an attorney with more than 30 years of experience. Based in Belleville, I provide legal services to landlords and tenants throughout most of Southern Illinois. My practice includes advice and guidance for matters pertaining to:


  • Evictions (both for landlords and tenants)
  • Security Deposit Returns
  • Notice to Raise Rent
  • Other Rent Rules


Schedule a consultation by contacting the Storment Law Office in Belleville, Illinois, and describe your case to an attorney who genuinely cares and wants to help your family.r

So You Can Focus on What's Most Important

Customized Solutions and Personal Service to Suit Your Concerns and Needs

As your attorney, my first step will be to meet with you to discuss your goals for the case. Once realistic goals have been established, I will prepare options to help you achieve the best possible outcome to meet your unique circumstances.


Throughout your case, I aim to maintain a good attorney-client rapport. As a solo attorney, I am able to dedicate my attention to you and your case. I will provide you with regular updates and take the time to address any questions or concerns you have at any step in the process.


To set up an appointment with an experienced Belleville attorney, contact my office by phone or by email using the online form. After-hours appointments are available by request.

Representation for Lease Disputes and Evictions

Residential and Commercial Landlord & Tenant Law in Belleville for evictions, security deposit disputes, lease violations, and rent-related conflicts

Storment Law Office represents both landlords and tenants in residential and commercial lease disputes, eviction proceedings, security deposit returns, rent-increase notices, lease obligation enforcement, and other rent-related conflicts. Paul Storment provides personalized attention as a solo attorney, allowing direct communication throughout the case and realistic goal-setting based on the specific lease terms, property conditions, and dispute history. Representation may involve litigation when cases are filed in court or mediation to resolve conflicts before formal legal action becomes necessary.


Landlord-tenant matters arise when lease terms are disputed, rent goes unpaid, property damage occurs, eviction notices are contested, or security deposits are withheld beyond statutory timelines. Illinois law imposes specific notice requirements, damage documentation standards, and eviction procedures that vary depending on whether the property is residential or commercial and whether the tenant has violated lease terms or simply failed to pay rent. The legal process involves reviewing lease agreements, comparing actions taken by both parties to statutory requirements, and determining whether procedural errors or factual disputes create defenses or counterclaims.


Arrange a consultation to review the lease agreement and dispute details before responding to eviction notices or filing legal action.

What Landlord-Tenant Litigation Involves

Representation begins with detailed review of the lease agreement, notice documents, payment records, and correspondence between landlord and tenant to determine whether either party has violated contractual obligations or statutory requirements. Landlords must follow strict notice and filing procedures to lawfully evict tenants, and tenants must document habitability concerns or improper charges to defend against eviction or recover wrongfully withheld deposits. Storment Law Office prepares motions, discovery requests, and trial exhibits tailored to the specific dispute, whether the case involves unpaid rent, property damage claims, lease termination disputes, or security deposit litigation.


When the matter concludes, landlords know whether eviction is upheld and possession is restored, and tenants know whether defenses succeeded in dismissing the case or whether relocation is required. Security deposit disputes result in court orders specifying the amounts owed, including statutory penalties when landlords fail to comply with itemization and return deadlines. Lease enforcement cases clarify which party breached the agreement and what remedies are available, including damages, lease termination, or specific performance of disputed obligations.


Some disputes resolve through mediation without filing court cases, particularly when both parties prefer to preserve ongoing business relationships or avoid public eviction records. Not all conflicts require litigation, but legal representation ensures that lease terms are interpreted correctly and that statutory procedures are followed regardless of whether the matter proceeds to trial.

Common Questions About Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Property owners and renters in Belleville frequently ask about eviction timelines, security deposit rules, and the differences between residential and commercial lease disputes.

  • What notice is required before a landlord can file an eviction in Illinois?

    Landlords must provide five-day notice for nonpayment of rent in residential leases or the notice period specified in commercial leases, and ten-day notice for lease violations other than nonpayment, with eviction filings prohibited until notice periods expire.

  • How long does the eviction process take in Belleville?

    After filing, court dates are typically scheduled within two to four weeks, and if the landlord prevails, the tenant has a short period to vacate before the sheriff enforces the eviction order, with total timelines ranging from four to eight weeks depending on court scheduling and tenant defenses.

  • What are valid defenses to an eviction case?

    Tenants may assert that rent was paid, that the landlord failed to maintain habitable conditions, that improper notice was given, or that the eviction is retaliatory for reporting code violations or requesting repairs.

  • When must landlords return security deposits in Illinois?

    Residential landlords must return deposits within 30 to 45 days depending on lease length, along with an itemized statement of any deductions, and failure to comply allows tenants to recover the deposit plus statutory damages and attorney fees.

  • Does Storment Law Office represent both landlords and tenants?

    Yes, representation is provided to landlords enforcing lease terms or pursuing evictions and to tenants defending against eviction, contesting improper charges, or seeking return of security deposits, with the attorney representing only one party per dispute.

Storment Law Office emphasizes regular communication and realistic case assessments, ensuring clients understand their legal position and the procedural steps required to resolve landlord-tenant disputes. Contact the office to discuss the lease conflict and explore whether mediation or litigation is the appropriate path forward.

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