Aurora is Illinois's second-largest city, spanning Kane and DuPage counties. Illinois state law governs Aurora leases — here's what every Aurora renter should know about deposits, repairs, and eviction.·Updated April 2026
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Key Takeaways
Find out whether Aurora or Illinois allows rent control below.
Review how long a Illinois landlord has to return your deposit and what happens if they don't.
Check the notice period your landlord must give before ending your lease in Illinois.
Learn whether your tenancy in Aurora has just-cause eviction protections.
See whether Aurora has local rules that go beyond Illinois tenant law.
Illinois Legal Aid Online (illinoislegalaid.org), Prairie State Legal Services (pslegal.org)
1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Aurora
Aurora renters are protected by Illinois state landlord-tenant law. The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) does not apply in Aurora, but Illinois provides statewide protections through the Security Deposit Return Act, habitability rules, and anti-retaliation provisions. Rent control is prohibited statewide by 765 ILCS 720. Aurora has not enacted a local tenant protection ordinance.
2. Does Aurora Have Rent Control?
Aurora has no rent control. Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits all municipalities — including Aurora — from enacting rent control ordinances. Landlords may raise rent by any amount. For month-to-month leases, at least 30 days written notice is required before either party can terminate the tenancy. If you receive an unacceptable rent increase mid-tenancy, review your lease to understand your options.
3. Illinois State Tenant Protections That Apply in Aurora
Illinois law provides the following protections for Aurora renters:
Security Deposit Return (765 ILCS 710): Landlords must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions. Wrongful withholding can make the landlord liable under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.
Habitability: Illinois common law recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. Landlords must maintain essential services including heat, plumbing, and structural safety. Remedies for breach include rent withholding and lease termination.
30-Day Termination Notice: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy.
Anti-Retaliation (765 ILCS 720/1): Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights by raising rent, reducing services, or initiating eviction.
No Self-Help Eviction: Landlords must obtain a court judgment before removing a tenant. Self-help tactics are illegal and can result in damages.
4. Security Deposit Rules in Aurora
Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), your Aurora landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you vacate, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. The landlord must keep your deposit in a federally insured interest-bearing account if the building has 25 or more units, and must pay interest annually. Wrongful withholding can result in liability for the deposit plus damages. Protect yourself by documenting the unit's condition with dated photos at move-in and move-out, and always provide your forwarding address in writing.
5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Aurora
Aurora landlords must follow Illinois's formal eviction process. For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must serve a 5-day notice to pay or vacate. For lease violations, a 10-day notice to cure or vacate is required. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, 30 days written notice must be given. If you don't comply, the landlord must file an eviction action in Kane County Circuit Court. You have the right to be served, appear, and contest the eviction. A court judgment is required before a writ of possession is issued. Self-help eviction — lock changes, utility shutoffs, property removal — is illegal under Illinois law and can expose the landlord to damages.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Aurora and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.
Check Your Address
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
No. Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits all municipalities from enacting rent control. Landlords in Aurora may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much can my landlord raise my rent in Aurora?
There is no cap on rent increases in Aurora. Landlords can raise rent by any amount. For month-to-month tenancies, you must be given at least 30 days written notice before the change takes effect. Fixed-term leases generally cannot have rent raised during the term unless the lease permits it.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Aurora?
Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions. Wrongful withholding can result in liability for the deposit plus damages. If the building has 25 or more units, interest must also be paid on the deposit.
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Aurora?
For nonpayment of rent, a 5-day notice to pay or vacate is required. For lease violations, a 10-day notice to cure or vacate. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give at least 30 days written notice. After proper notice, the landlord must file in Kane County Circuit Court.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Aurora?
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois. Landlords cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out. If this happens, document it and contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online immediately.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Aurora?
Illinois common law recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. Send a written repair request and keep a copy. If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, you may have remedies including withholding rent or terminating the lease. You can also contact Aurora's code enforcement division to report housing code violations.
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