At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | No statewide limit | Chicago limits deposits to 1.5 months' rent |
| Rent control? | Limited | No statewide rent control; preemption repealed in 2024; Chicago has some protections |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 30 days | For month-to-month tenancies |
| Lease required in writing? | Yes, for leases > 12 months | Shorter tenancies may be oral |
| Landlord entry notice? | No statewide statute | Chicago requires 2 days' notice |
Security Deposits
Illinois does not impose a statewide limit on security deposit amounts. However, the City of Chicago has its own ordinance limiting deposits to 1.5 months' rent.
Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit if no deductions are made. If the landlord intends to make deductions, the deadline extends to 45 days, and the landlord must provide an itemized statement of damages along with paid receipts or estimates.
Under the Security Deposit Interest Act, landlords who hold deposits for properties with 25 or more units must pay interest on the deposit annually. The interest rate is set each year by the Illinois State Treasurer.
cite: 765 ILCS 710/ (Security Deposit Return Act)
Eviction Procedures
Illinois requires landlords to follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) are illegal.
Notice Requirements
- 5-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent
- 10-Day Notice: For lease violations (tenant must cure or vacate)
- 30-Day Notice: For termination of a month-to-month tenancy (tenancy less than 6 months)
- 60-Day Notice: For termination of a month-to-month tenancy (tenancy of 6 months or more, in some municipalities)
Chicago has additional protections, including just cause eviction requirements under certain circumstances.
Rent Control
Illinois does not have a statewide rent control law. The state previously had a preemption law prohibiting local rent control ordinances, but this preemption was repealed in 2024, allowing municipalities to explore their own rent stabilization measures.
The City of Chicago has some tenant protections, including anti-rent-gouging provisions and notice requirements for significant rent increases. Other municipalities may adopt their own regulations following the repeal of preemption.
Lease Agreements
Illinois requires leases for longer than 12 months to be in writing under the Statute of Frauds. Month-to-month and shorter-term tenancies may be established through oral agreements, though written leases are strongly recommended.
Required Disclosures
Illinois landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties, federal requirement)
- Radon hazard: Disclosure of radon hazards as required by the Illinois Radon Awareness Act
- Carbon monoxide detectors: Confirmation of installation as required by law
- Shared utilities: If applicable, disclosure of shared utility arrangements
- Foreclosure status: If the property is in foreclosure, landlords must disclose this information
- Bed bugs (Chicago): Disclosure of any known bed bug infestations within the past 120 days
cite: 765 ILCS 705/ (Security Deposit Interest Act)
Tenant Rights
Illinois provides the following protections for tenants:
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation, including compliance with local building and housing codes
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who report code violations, join tenant organizations, or exercise their legal rights
- Discrimination protection: The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, and other protected categories
- Right to privacy: While there is no statewide entry notice statute, tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment; Chicago requires 2 days' notice before landlord entry
- Repair and deduct: In some municipalities, tenants may make essential repairs and deduct the cost from rent after providing proper notice