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Belleville is the county seat of St. Clair County in southwestern Illinois, located just east of St. Louis, Missouri. The city is home to a substantial renter population drawn by its proximity to Scott Air Force Base, regional healthcare employers, and comparatively affordable housing. Renters in Belleville most commonly search for information about security deposit returns, eviction notice requirements, and what to do when a landlord fails to make repairs.
Belleville does not have its own local tenant protection ordinances beyond what Illinois state law provides. That means the primary legal framework governing the landlord-tenant relationship is found in state statutes, including the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), the Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 715), and general Illinois landlord-tenant common law principles covering habitability and retaliation. The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) does not apply in Belleville.
This page provides an overview of tenant rights in Belleville based on current Illinois law. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters with specific legal questions should consult a qualified attorney or contact a legal aid organization.
Belleville has no rent control ordinance, and landlords are free to raise rents by any amount with proper notice. This is not simply a local policy choice — Illinois state law explicitly preempts all local rent control under 765 ILCS 720, which prohibits any unit of local government from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing any ordinance or resolution that would limit the amount of rent a landlord may charge for residential property.
In practice, this means that no city, county, or municipality in Illinois — including Belleville — can pass rent stabilization or rent control measures. Landlords in Belleville may increase rent at the end of a lease term or upon proper notice for month-to-month tenants, with no cap on the amount of the increase. The only practical protection for renters is the requirement that landlords provide adequate advance notice before a rent increase takes effect, which for month-to-month tenants is at least 30 days under Illinois law.
Illinois state law provides several important protections for renters in Belleville, even without a local tenant ordinance.
Security Deposit Rules (765 ILCS 710 & 765 ILCS 715): Landlords who hold a security deposit must return it — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 30 days after the tenant vacates the unit. Landlords who own 25 or more units and collect a deposit must also pay interest on deposits held for more than six months, at a rate set annually by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (765 ILCS 715).
Habitability: Under Illinois common law, landlords have an implied warranty of habitability requiring them to maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation. This means landlords must provide working heat, plumbing, and structural integrity, and must address conditions that materially endanger health or safety. While Illinois does not have a single codified statewide habitability statute equivalent to the Chicago RLTO, courts have consistently enforced this implied warranty, and tenants may have remedies including rent withholding or repair-and-deduct in appropriate circumstances.
Anti-Retaliation (765 ILCS 720/1): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations, contacting government agencies, or exercising any legal right. Retaliatory acts include rent increases, eviction threats, or reduction of services following a protected tenant action. A landlord who retaliates may be liable for damages.
Notice to Terminate (735 ILCS 5/9-207): For month-to-month tenancies, either party must give at least 30 days written notice before terminating the tenancy. For week-to-week tenancies, 7 days written notice is required.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition: Illinois law prohibits self-help eviction. A landlord may not lock out a tenant, remove doors or windows, or shut off utilities as a means of forcing a tenant to leave. The only lawful way to remove a tenant is through the court eviction process.
Illinois does not set a maximum cap on the amount a landlord in Belleville may collect as a security deposit. Landlords may collect any amount agreed upon in the lease, though the amount must be disclosed in writing.
Return Deadline: Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710/1), a landlord must return the security deposit — or the balance remaining after lawful deductions — within 30 days after the tenant vacates the unit. If the landlord intends to make deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized written statement of those deductions within 30 days.
Interest on Deposits (765 ILCS 715): Landlords who own 25 or more units and collect a security deposit must pay interest on any deposit held for more than six months. The applicable interest rate is set annually by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within 30 days without lawful justification, the tenant may be entitled to recover the full amount of the security deposit, plus damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees under 765 ILCS 710/1. Tenants should document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with photographs and written records to support any claim.
Landlords in Belleville must follow the Illinois court eviction process to remove a tenant. Self-help eviction — including changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities — is illegal and may expose the landlord to civil liability.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing for eviction, the landlord must serve the tenant with written notice. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing the Eviction Complaint: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction complaint (formerly called a forcible entry and detainer action) in St. Clair County Circuit Court. The tenant will be served with a summons and given the opportunity to appear and respond.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties present their cases before a judge. If the court rules in the landlord's favor, a judgment for possession is entered. Tenants have the right to raise defenses, including improper notice, retaliation, or habitability issues.
Step 4 — Enforcement: After a judgment for possession is entered, the court may issue an order of possession. A sheriff's officer — not the landlord — carries out the physical eviction if the tenant does not vacate voluntarily. Illinois law does not permit landlords to remove tenants themselves.
Just Cause: Belleville has no just cause eviction ordinance. Landlords are not required to provide a reason for non-renewal of a lease, beyond the required notice period.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws can change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. Renters in Belleville, Illinois should verify current statutes and local rules with a qualified attorney or a legal aid organization such as Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online before taking action. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation or advice.
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