Buffalo Grove is a village straddling Lake and Cook counties in Chicago's northwest suburbs, with the majority of its area in Lake County. Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits local rent control, so Buffalo Grove cannot cap rents. Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance applies only within Chicago and does not extend to Buffalo Grove. The Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) and Illinois common law habitability standards protect renters in the village.
Buffalo Grove has no rent control. Illinois law preempts local rent stabilization ordinances under 765 ILCS 720, and neither Lake County nor Cook County (the portions of Buffalo Grove within each) has adopted any rent control measures. Landlords in Buffalo Grove may raise rents freely at lease renewal. Month-to-month tenants are entitled to at least 30 days' written notice before any rent increase or tenancy termination.
Illinois common law requires landlords to maintain rental units in a habitable condition — functioning heat, plumbing, structural integrity, and pest-free conditions. Put all repair requests in writing and keep copies. For serious habitability issues, contact Lake County code enforcement (or Cook County if your unit falls within that portion of the village). Self-help eviction is prohibited: a landlord cannot change your locks or remove your belongings without a court judgment. Retaliation against tenants who report code violations or exercise legal rights is prohibited under 765 ILCS 720/1.
Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days of the end of your tenancy, along with an itemized written statement of deductions. For residential buildings with 25 or more units, landlords must pay annual interest on deposits held more than six months. Wrongful withholding may entitle you to twice the amount withheld plus attorney's fees. Document the condition of your unit with photos at move-in and move-out and provide your forwarding address in writing when you vacate.
To evict a Buffalo Grove tenant, a landlord must serve proper written notice and file with the appropriate Circuit Court (Lake County Circuit Court for Lake County portions, Cook County for units within the Cook County portion) to obtain a judgment. Month-to-month tenants must receive 30 days' written notice. Nonpayment cases require a 5-day pay-or-vacate notice; lease violations require a 10-day notice to cure. Self-help eviction — lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removing belongings without a court order — is illegal in Illinois. You have the right to respond and appear in court.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — verify current statutes and consult a licensed Illinois attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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