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Crest Hill is a growing city in Will County, Illinois, situated between Joliet and Lockport along the Des Plaines River. With a population of roughly 21,000 residents and a significant share of renters, Crest Hill's housing market reflects the broader suburban Chicago region — where many tenants rely on state law for their core protections.
Renters in Crest Hill most commonly ask about security deposits, rent increases, and the eviction process. Unlike Chicago or Evanston, Crest Hill has not enacted any local tenant ordinances, so Illinois statewide law governs the landlord-tenant relationship entirely. Key statutes include the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), the Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 710/1), and the Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 720).
This page is an informational resource for Crest Hill renters and is not a substitute for legal advice. Laws can change, and individual circumstances vary — consult a licensed Illinois attorney or free legal aid organization if you have a specific legal question.
Rent Control Status: Prohibited by State Law
Crest Hill has no rent control ordinance, and under Illinois law, it cannot enact one. The Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act (765 ILCS 720/1 et seq.) expressly prohibits any unit of local government — including cities, counties, and townships — from enacting any ordinance that would control or stabilize residential rents. This preemption applies statewide and covers all municipalities in Illinois, including Crest Hill.
In practical terms, this means a landlord in Crest Hill may raise rent by any amount at any time, subject only to providing proper advance notice before the new rate takes effect. For a month-to-month tenant, that notice must be at least 30 days in writing. For fixed-term leases, the rent is set for the duration of the lease, and increases can only take effect upon renewal. Tenants have no legal mechanism to challenge the size of a rent increase in Crest Hill.
Implied Warranty of Habitability
Illinois common law imposes an implied warranty of habitability on all residential landlords. Landlords must maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation, including functioning heat, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity. If a landlord fails to repair serious deficiencies after reasonable notice, tenants may have remedies including rent withholding or repair-and-deduct, though tenants should consult a legal aid attorney before withholding rent.
Security Deposit Protections (765 ILCS 710)
The Illinois Security Deposit Return Act requires landlords with five or more units to return a tenant's security deposit within 30 days of the tenancy ending, accompanied by an itemized written statement of any deductions. Landlords who fail to comply may be liable for the full deposit amount plus damages. The Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 710/1) requires landlords of 25 or more units to pay annual interest on deposits held longer than six months.
Notice Requirements
Under Illinois law, a landlord must provide at least 30 days written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. For lease non-payment, the landlord must serve a 5-Day Notice to Pay or Quit before filing an eviction action. For lease violations other than non-payment, a 10-Day Notice to Cure or Quit is generally required.
Anti-Retaliation Protections (765 ILCS 720/1)
Illinois law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report code violations, contact government agencies about housing conditions, or exercise other legal rights. Retaliatory acts may include rent increases, service reductions, or eviction proceedings initiated within a short time after a tenant's protected activity. A tenant who proves retaliation may be entitled to damages.
Prohibition on Self-Help Eviction
Illinois law prohibits landlords from using self-help measures to remove a tenant, such as changing locks, removing doors or windows, or shutting off utilities. A landlord must obtain a court judgment and have a sheriff execute any lawful eviction. Unlawful lockouts or utility shutoffs expose the landlord to civil liability.
Security Deposit Rules in Crest Hill
Illinois does not cap the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit, so landlords in Crest Hill may require any deposit amount they choose, subject to what is stated in the lease.
Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710/1), landlords who own five or more residential units must return the tenant's security deposit — or the balance after lawful deductions — within 30 days after the tenant vacates the unit. The landlord must also provide the tenant with an itemized written statement of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear. If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the statement within 30 days, the tenant may be entitled to a court judgment for the full amount of the deposit withheld, plus damages.
For landlords with 25 or more units, the Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 710/1) requires that interest be paid on deposits held for more than six months. The interest rate is set annually by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Landlords who fail to pay required interest may forfeit their right to retain any portion of the deposit.
Normal wear and tear — such as minor scuffs on walls or carpet wear from ordinary use — cannot be deducted from a security deposit. Only documented damage beyond normal use is a permissible deduction. Tenants should photograph the unit at move-in and move-out and request a move-out inspection to protect their deposit.
The Eviction Process in Crest Hill, Illinois
Crest Hill is located in Will County, so eviction cases are filed in Will County Circuit Court. Illinois law requires landlords to follow a specific legal process — no self-help measures are permitted at any stage.
Step 1: Written Notice
Before filing an eviction lawsuit, a landlord must serve the tenant with the appropriate written notice. For non-payment of rent, Illinois law requires a 5-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (735 ILCS 5/9-209). If the tenant pays the full amount owed within those five days, the tenancy continues. For lease violations other than non-payment, a landlord typically must serve a 10-Day Notice to Cure or Quit (735 ILCS 5/9-210). For terminating a month-to-month tenancy without cause, a 30-Day Notice to Vacate is required.
Step 2: Filing an 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 Will County Circuit Court under 735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq. The tenant will be served with a summons and given a date to appear in court.
Step 3: Court Hearing
At the hearing, both parties may present evidence and arguments. If the court rules in the landlord's favor, it issues an Order of Possession. Crest Hill has no just cause eviction requirement, so landlords do not need a specific reason beyond lease expiration or violation to proceed.
Step 4: Enforcement
Only a Will County Sheriff's deputy may enforce an eviction order by physically removing a tenant who has not vacated voluntarily. A landlord who attempts to lock out, remove belongings, or shut off utilities without a court order is committing an illegal self-help eviction and may face civil liability under Illinois law.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws in Illinois and Crest Hill may change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and cannot represent you or provide legal counsel. If you have a specific legal problem involving your housing, please consult a licensed Illinois attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization such as Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online. Always verify current statutes and local ordinances independently before taking action.
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