Last updated: April 2026
Arlington Heights renters are governed by Illinois state landlord-tenant law — there is no local rent control and no village-specific tenant ordinance beyond state statutes. Here is what every renter needs to know.
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Arlington Heights is a large village in Cook County in Chicago's northwest suburbs, with a significant renter population. Renters here are governed entirely by Illinois state landlord-tenant law — there is no Arlington Heights-specific tenant ordinance comparable to the Chicago or Evanston RLTOs.
Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control, so neither Arlington Heights nor Cook County may cap rent increases. Core tenant protections flow from the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) and related state statutes governing habitability, anti-retaliation, and eviction procedure.
This page is intended as general informational education only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters facing urgent housing issues should contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online.
Arlington Heights has no rent control, and Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This statewide preemption applies to every Illinois municipality, including Arlington Heights. The village has no authority to limit rent increases or impose rent registration of any kind.
An Arlington Heights landlord may raise rent by any dollar amount. The only constraint is proper written notice — at least 30 days' notice for month-to-month tenancies under Illinois law. Fixed-term lease tenants are protected from increases until the lease expires unless the lease expressly permits mid-term changes.
Illinois state law provides the following key protections for Arlington Heights renters:
Security deposit rules in Arlington Heights are governed by the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710). There is no Illinois statewide cap on the security deposit amount — it is whatever is agreed to in your lease. However, landlords must follow strict return procedures.
Return Deadline: After you vacate, your landlord has 30 days to return your deposit along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. The statement must specify each deduction and the dollar amount.
Penalty for Non-Compliance: If your landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within 30 days, you may be entitled to twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees under 765 ILCS 710/1.
Allowable Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Document the unit's condition with dated photographs at both move-in and move-out, and provide your forwarding address in writing when you move out.
To evict a tenant in Arlington Heights, a landlord must follow Illinois's formal eviction process — self-help methods are illegal.
Step 1 — Written Notice: The landlord must first serve a written notice:
Step 2 — Filing in Court: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file an eviction action in Cook County Circuit Court. The tenant has the right to appear and contest.
Step 3 — Hearing and Judgment: Tenants may raise defenses including habitability violations, improper notice, and retaliation. Contact Prairie State Legal Services for representation if needed.
Step 4 — Enforcement: Only the Cook County Sheriff may physically remove a tenant after a court order — the landlord cannot act independently.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: A landlord who changes locks, shuts off utilities, or removes belongings without a court order may face civil liability. Contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online immediately if this occurs.
No. Arlington Heights has no rent control ordinance. Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances statewide. Neither Arlington Heights nor Cook County has any authority to cap rent increases.
There is no cap. Illinois has no rent stabilization law, so landlords may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal. For month-to-month tenancies, at least 30 days' written notice is required before the increase takes effect. Fixed-term lease tenants are protected until the lease expires unless the lease allows mid-term changes.
30 days from move-out under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710). The landlord must provide a written itemized statement of any deductions and return any remaining balance. Failure to comply may entitle you to twice the withheld amount plus attorney's fees.
5 days for nonpayment of rent, 10 days for lease violations, or at least 30 days to terminate a month-to-month tenancy under Illinois law. After proper notice, the landlord must file in Cook County Circuit Court — they cannot remove you without a court order.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois. A landlord who changes locks or shuts off utilities to force you out without a court order may face civil liability. Contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online immediately if this happens.
Illinois common law imposes an implied warranty of habitability. Send your landlord a written repair request and keep a copy. If they fail to act, you may be able to raise habitability as a defense in any eviction proceeding or seek rent abatement through Cook County Circuit Court. Contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online for guidance before withholding rent.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Arlington Heights, Illinois and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization before taking action.
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