To withhold your rent you will need more than some basic pending repair issues. You can do it but only after due process. That means that you will need to follow exactly what the law says BEFORE holding your rent hostage.

I wonder if slow drains and bathroom light can really meet the requirement needed to withhold rent… I doubt it. Normally it is only acceptable if the repair is a causing a health hazard or habitability issue.

Why not file a complaint? That would seem like a logical step. There’s a link at the top of the page.

It must be very frustrating if you have clogged drains in the kitchen and the toilet that wont even flush . Your landlord has a legal responsibility for keeping certain things in your property in good repair and in good condition.Most private landlords will carry out repairs once they know about them. If they refuse to do so, take too long, or do them badly there are several things you can do to take legal actions,or It would be a good idea to talk to Community Legal Advice for more information about where you can get local legal advice.

Yes, you should continue paying your rent.
For major problems like heat, running water, electricity, gas or plumbing, I think the best thing you can do is to get substitute services then deduct the cost from next month’s rent. Don’t forget to ask for paid receipts for such services. Receipt is a must!

But, if what you want is to terminate the rental agreement you can do that by requesting in writings that your landlord must correct the failure within 72 hours. If he fails to do so, you can terminate the rental agreement and you must leave within 30 days. However, if the failure to provide essential services is due to the utility provider this remedy is not applicable.

This is applicable for Chicago, Evanston, Mt. Prospect & Communities throughout Illinois

Thank You!