CHICAGO (AP) – Some Chicago residents are calling for a rent freeze, saying the pandemic has caused extreme financial hardships. Thousands signed an online petition calling for protections including a freeze on rent, mortgages and utility payments. Some say they are prepared to strike come April 1. Among them is 23-year-old Theodore Bourget. The Chicago Tribune reports he’s lost both of his jobs because of the coronavirus outbreak and he and his partner are having a hard time affording rent on their apartment. City officials haven’t directly responded to questions about a freeze, but have pointed to other relief such as grant program.
