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Bradley is a village in Kankakee County, Illinois, located approximately 60 miles south of Chicago. The community has a substantial renter population, and tenants here are protected entirely by Illinois state law — no local tenant ordinances apply beyond what the state provides. Renters in Bradley most commonly search for information about security deposit returns, notice requirements before eviction, and landlord repair obligations.
Illinois state law establishes a baseline of tenant protections through several statutes, including the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), the Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 715), and the Landlord and Tenant Act (735 ILCS 5/9-201 et seq.). The Illinois Human Rights Act also prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, familial status, and other protected characteristics. Bradley tenants should familiarize themselves with these statewide laws, as they form the entirety of local tenant protections.
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and local conditions can change — consult a licensed attorney or contact a legal aid organization for advice specific to your situation.
Bradley has no rent control, and Illinois state law explicitly forbids any municipality from enacting rent control ordinances. The preemption statute, 765 ILCS 720, prohibits counties, municipalities, and other units of local government from enacting any ordinance or resolution that would control or stabilize the rental price of private residential property. This means the Village of Bradley cannot pass a rent control law even if it wanted to.
In practical terms, this means a landlord in Bradley may raise your rent by any amount, at any time, provided they give you proper advance written notice before the next rental period begins. For month-to-month tenants, that means at least 30 days' written notice of a rent increase. There is no cap on the percentage increase, no requirement that the landlord justify the increase, and no local board or agency to which you can appeal. If a proposed rent increase is unacceptable, a tenant's primary options are to negotiate with the landlord or to vacate the unit with proper notice.
Security Deposit Return (765 ILCS 710): The Illinois Security Deposit Return Act requires landlords who hold a security deposit to return it — along with an itemized statement of deductions — within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates. If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may be entitled to the return of the full deposit plus damages. See the security deposit section below for full details.
Security Deposit Interest (765 ILCS 715): The Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act requires landlords who own 25 or more units to pay interest on security deposits held for more than six months. The interest rate is set annually by the state. Landlords owning fewer than 25 units are generally exempt from the interest requirement.
Habitability: Illinois common law imposes an implied warranty of habitability on residential landlords, requiring them to maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation. This includes functioning heat, plumbing, and structural safety. While Illinois does not have a single statewide habitability statute as comprehensive as some other states, tenants have recognized remedies — including rent withholding or repair-and-deduct in limited circumstances — when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Tenants should document all repair requests in writing.
Anti-Retaliation (765 ILCS 720/1): The same statute that preempts rent control also contains an anti-retaliation provision. Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations, contacting a government agency about housing conditions, or exercising any legal right. Retaliatory rent increases, lease terminations, or reductions in services are unlawful under this provision.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition: Under Illinois law, a landlord may not remove a tenant from a rental unit by means other than a lawful court eviction. Specifically, 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq. establishes that only the courts can authorize removal of a tenant. Changing locks, removing doors or windows, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out are illegal acts of self-help eviction and can expose a landlord to significant civil liability.
30-Day Notice for Month-to-Month Tenancies: Under 735 ILCS 5/9-207, a landlord or tenant wishing to terminate a month-to-month tenancy must give at least 30 days' written notice before the end of a rental period. Failure to provide proper notice means the tenancy continues on the same terms.
Illinois does not impose a statutory cap on the amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit. However, once collected, the deposit is strictly regulated by the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710).
Return Deadline: A landlord must return the security deposit — or the portion not withheld for damages or unpaid rent — within 30 days after the tenant surrenders possession of the rental unit. If the landlord intends to make deductions, they must provide the tenant with an itemized statement of the deductions along with any remaining balance within that same 30-day window.
Allowable Deductions: A landlord may deduct from the security deposit for unpaid rent or for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Routine cleaning and ordinary deterioration from normal use are not proper grounds for deduction.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: Under 765 ILCS 710/1, if a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within the 30-day deadline without a valid legal reason, the tenant may recover the full amount of the security deposit. Courts have also awarded attorney's fees in appropriate cases. Tenants should keep a copy of their lease, document the condition of the unit with photos at move-in and move-out, and send a forwarding address to the landlord in writing to start the 30-day clock clearly.
Interest on Deposits (765 ILCS 715): Landlords owning 25 or more residential units are required to pay interest on security deposits held for more than six months. The applicable interest rate is determined annually. Landlords of buildings with fewer than 25 units are not subject to this interest requirement statewide.
In Bradley, a landlord must follow the formal court eviction process to remove a tenant. Illinois law does not permit self-help eviction under any circumstances. The process is governed primarily by the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.).
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing for eviction, the landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice. The type and duration of notice depend on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing in Court: 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 the Kankakee 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 appear before a judge. Tenants have the right to raise defenses, such as improper notice, retaliation, or the landlord's failure to maintain habitable conditions. If the court rules in the landlord's favor, it will issue a judgment for possession.
Step 4 — Enforcement: After a judgment for possession is entered, the landlord must obtain an order of possession, which is enforced by the sheriff. The sheriff provides the tenant with a final opportunity to vacate before physically removing them and their belongings.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal: A landlord may not change the locks, remove the tenant's belongings, shut off utilities, or otherwise attempt to force a tenant out without going through the court process. Such actions violate 735 ILCS 5/9-101 and can expose the landlord to civil liability. A tenant subjected to a self-help eviction should contact legal aid or an attorney immediately.
No Just Cause Requirement: Bradley has no just cause eviction ordinance. A landlord may decline to renew a lease or terminate a month-to-month tenancy for any lawful reason (or no stated reason at all), provided proper written notice is given. Retaliation remains prohibited under 765 ILCS 720/1.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws and local ordinances can change, and the specific facts of your situation may affect your legal rights and options. RentCheckMe makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented here. If you have questions about your specific situation, please consult a licensed Illinois attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization in your area. Do not rely solely on this page when making decisions about your tenancy.
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