Illinois Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners
Detailed overview of Illinois rental property laws including security deposits, eviction procedures, rent control, required disclosures, and maintenan...
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Illinois landlord-tenant law is a mix of state statutes and significant local ordinances. While the state provides a baseline framework, cities like Chicago and Evanston, as well as Suburban Cook County, have their own strict regulations that property managers must follow.
Official Law Citation: The rules and regulations outlined on this page are governed by the Illinois Compiled Statutes (Title 765 - Property) and powerful local municipal ordinances.
Key Illinois Rental Laws at a Glance
Security Deposits
Illinois state law does not limit the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit. However, local ordinances in Cook County, Evanston, and Oak Park cap the amount at 1.5 times the monthly rent.
State law requires landlords to return the security deposit within 45 days of the tenant moving out. If the landlord makes deductions for property damage, an itemized statement must be provided within 30 days of move-out, along with paid receipts.
For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.
Eviction Procedures Illinois prohibits landlords from using "self-help" evictions (e.g., changing locks, removing belongings). All evictions must go through the formal Forcible Entry and Detainer court process.
The most common eviction notices include:
- 5-Day Notice to Quit - For non-payment of rent.
- 10-Day Notice to Quit - For lease violations.
- 30-Day Notice - To terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause.
For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.
Rent Control and Increases
Illinois currently prohibits local municipalities from enacting rent control measures (Rent Control Preemption Act). There are no state limits on how much a landlord can increase rent.
Rent cannot be increased during the term of a fixed lease unless permitted by the lease agreement. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must typically provide at least 30 days' written notice.
For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.
Required Disclosures Illinois landlords must disclose certain information to tenants before a lease is signed:
- Lead-Based Paint - For properties built prior to 1978 (Federal requirement).
- Radon Disclosure - Required if a landlord performs a test and discovers a radon hazard.
- Flood Disclosure - Starting in 2025, landlords must disclose if the property is in a FEMA flood zone or has experienced flooding in the last 10 years.
- Shared Utility Meters - Landlords must disclose if the tenant will be paying for utilities that serve common areas or other units.
For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.
Maintenance and Habitability
Illinois enforces an implied warranty of habitability, meaning residential properties must be fit for human occupation. Landlords must ensure the property adheres to building, housing, and health codes.
If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs, Illinois law (765 ILCS 742) permits tenants to use the "repair and deduct" remedy. If the repair costs less than $500 or half a month's rent, the tenant may give 14 days' written notice, have the work done professionally, and deduct the cost from their rent.
For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.
Local Ordinances When leasing in Illinois, property owners must be hyper-aware of local laws. The most notable include:
- Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (CRLTO): Stringent rules regarding security deposit interest, 30-day return deadlines, and tenant remedies.
- Suburban Cook County (RTLO): Imposes significant protections similar to Chicago for areas outside the city limits.
- Evanston and Oak Park: Both have specialized local ordinances capping security deposits and adjusting eviction protocols.
Always check municipality codes as they often supersede broad state laws with stricter requirements.
Getting Started with Compliance
Managing compliance in Illinois can be complex due to the heavy intersection of state and local laws. Landager helps landlords track security deposit deadlines, coordinate evictions, and maintain proper documentation.
Explore more Illinois compliance topics:
How Landager Helps
Landager tracks lease terms, required compliance items, and accounting records - making it easy to stay compliant with Illinois regulations.
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