Want to skip straight to checking your own building? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.
Bridgeview is a village in Cook County, Illinois, located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. Like many suburban Cook County communities, Bridgeview has a significant renter population subject to Illinois statewide tenant protections. Renters here most commonly seek information about security deposit rules, what notice a landlord must give before eviction, and what recourse they have when a landlord fails to make repairs.
Illinois does not have rent control, and no Bridgeview-specific ordinance expands upon state protections. That means the primary legal framework for Bridgeview renters comes from the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), the Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 710/0.01 et seq.), and established Illinois common law on habitability. Renters should also be aware that the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) applies only within Chicago city limits and does not extend to Bridgeview.
This article is intended as general legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and local ordinances may change; renters with specific questions or disputes should consult a qualified attorney or contact a legal aid organization in their area.
Bridgeview has no rent control, and Illinois state law prohibits any municipality from enacting it. Under 765 ILCS 720/1, the Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act expressly bars cities, villages, and counties from adopting any ordinance that would control or stabilize residential rents. This statewide preemption means that even Cook County — despite its robust local government — cannot enact a rent control measure that would apply to Bridgeview landlords.
In practice, this means your landlord may raise your rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or, for month-to-month tenancies, with proper advance written notice of at least 30 days. There is no cap on rent increases, no requirement that a landlord justify the increase, and no local board or agency to which you can appeal a rent hike. Your best protection against unwanted rent increases is a fixed-term lease, which locks in your rent for the duration of the lease period.
Security Deposit Rules (765 ILCS 710; 765 ILCS 710/0.01): Illinois landlords must return a tenant's security deposit — along with any accrued interest — within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit, or within 45 days if the landlord must make deductions and provides an itemized statement. Any deductions must be accompanied by written documentation. Wrongful withholding of a deposit can expose a landlord to liability for the deposit amount plus damages as set out under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.
Habitability (Illinois Common Law): Illinois recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. Landlords in Bridgeview must maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation — including working heat, plumbing, electrical systems, and freedom from pest infestation. If a landlord refuses to make necessary repairs, a tenant may have the right to withhold rent or pursue other remedies, but should consult legal counsel before doing so, as Illinois procedures for rent withholding are complex outside Chicago.
Notice Requirements (735 ILCS 5/9-207): For month-to-month tenancies, either the landlord or tenant must provide at least 30 days written notice before terminating the tenancy. For nonpayment of rent, a landlord must serve a written 5-Day Notice before initiating eviction proceedings. For other lease violations, the landlord must serve a written 10-Day Notice to comply or vacate.
Anti-Retaliation (765 ILCS 720/1): Illinois law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report housing code violations, contact government agencies about conditions, or exercise any other legal rights. Retaliatory acts can include eviction, rent increases, or reduction of services. If retaliation occurs within one year of a protected act, the law presumes the landlord's conduct was retaliatory.
Lockout & Utility Shutoff Prohibition (735 ILCS 5/9-101): Landlords in Illinois may not use self-help measures to remove a tenant, including changing locks, removing doors or windows, or shutting off utilities. Any removal of a tenant must proceed through the formal court eviction process. Violations may expose landlords to civil liability.
Illinois does not impose a statewide 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) and the Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 710/0.01 et seq.).
Return deadline: A landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit. If the landlord intends to make deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord must provide an itemized written statement of deductions within 30 days, and must return any remaining balance within 45 days of the tenant vacating.
Interest: Under 765 ILCS 710/0.01, landlords who hold a security deposit for more than six months on a residential property with 25 or more units must pay interest on the deposit at a rate determined annually by the Illinois Comptroller. This interest requirement does not apply to smaller buildings.
Penalty for wrongful withholding: If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit or fails to comply with the return deadlines and itemization requirements under 765 ILCS 710, the tenant may be entitled to recover the deposit plus damages in civil court. Tenants should document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with photographs and written records to support any claim.
In Bridgeview, a landlord must follow Illinois law precisely to lawfully evict a tenant. Self-help eviction — including changing locks, removing the tenant's belongings, or shutting off utilities — is illegal under 735 ILCS 5/9-101 and can expose the landlord to civil liability.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing in court, the landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice. The notice type and period depend on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing an Eviction Complaint: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction (forcible entry and detainer) action in Cook County Circuit Court. The court will schedule a hearing, typically within a few weeks of filing.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both the landlord and tenant have the right to appear and present their case. If the court finds in the landlord's favor, it will issue an order of possession. Tenants may raise defenses such as retaliation, failure to maintain habitability, or improper notice.
Step 4 — Enforcement: If the tenant does not vacate after the court order, the landlord may request a writ of assistance, directing the Cook County Sheriff to enforce the order. Only the Sheriff may physically remove a tenant — the landlord may not do so independently.
No just cause requirement: Bridgeview does not require a landlord to demonstrate just cause for eviction at lease end. Once a lease expires or proper notice has been given for a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord may proceed without stating a reason, provided all procedural requirements are met.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws and local ordinances can change, and the accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed beyond the date it was last updated. Renters with specific legal questions or disputes should consult a licensed Illinois attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
Use the Address Checker →We'll email you if the rent cap, coverage rules, or tenant protections change — no spam, unsubscribe any time.