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Granite City is a mid-sized city in Madison County, southwestern Illinois, situated directly across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. The city has a substantial renter population drawn to its industrial heritage and relative affordability compared to nearby urban centers. Renters in Granite City most commonly seek guidance on security deposit returns, habitability standards, eviction procedures, and what recourse they have when landlords fail to make repairs.
Unlike Chicago — which has its own Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance — Granite City has no local tenant protection ordinances beyond what Illinois state law provides. That means Illinois statutes govern virtually every aspect of the landlord-tenant relationship for Granite City renters, including the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), the anti-retaliation statute (765 ILCS 720), and general eviction procedures under the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/9-201 et seq.).
This guide summarizes the key protections available to Granite City renters under Illinois law. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change and individual circumstances vary — consult a licensed Illinois attorney or a local legal aid organization for advice specific to your situation.
Granite City has no rent control, and Illinois state law expressly prohibits any local government from enacting it. The Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act (765 ILCS 720/1) states that "a unit of local government, including a home rule unit, shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential or commercial property." This statute applies statewide and prevents Granite City, Madison County, or any other Illinois municipality outside of existing grandfathered arrangements from passing rent stabilization measures.
In practical terms, this means your landlord in Granite City may raise your rent by any amount at the end of a lease term, provided they give you proper advance written notice (at least 30 days for a month-to-month tenancy under 735 ILCS 5/9-207). There is no cap on rent increases, no requirement that increases be tied to inflation, and no local board you can appeal to. Renters whose leases have a fixed term are protected from rent increases until that term expires, but once the lease renews or converts to month-to-month, any increase is permissible with proper notice.
Illinois state law provides several important protections for Granite City renters, even in the absence of a local ordinance.
Security Deposit Rules (765 ILCS 710 & 765 ILCS 720): 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. If the landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit or fails to provide an itemized statement, the tenant may sue to recover the deposit plus additional damages. See the Security Deposit section below for full details.
Implied Warranty of Habitability (Illinois Common Law): Illinois courts recognize an implied warranty of habitability in all residential leases, requiring landlords to maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation. This includes functioning heat, plumbing, and structural integrity. If a landlord fails to address serious habitability defects after receiving written notice, a tenant may have remedies including rent withholding, repair-and-deduct, or lease termination, depending on the circumstances.
Notice Requirements (735 ILCS 5/9-207): For month-to-month tenancies, either party must provide at least 30 days written notice before terminating the tenancy. For tenancies of a week or less, 7 days notice is required. These are minimum statutory floors — a lease may require longer notice periods.
Anti-Retaliation Protections (765 ILCS 720/1): A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for complaining to a government authority about code violations, organizing with other tenants, or exercising any legal right. Retaliation can include raising rent, reducing services, or threatening eviction. Illinois courts may award damages and attorney fees for proven retaliation.
Prohibition on Self-Help Eviction (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.): Illinois law requires landlords to obtain a court judgment before removing a tenant. A landlord may not change locks, remove doors or windows, shut off utilities, or otherwise force a tenant out without a court order. Such self-help tactics are illegal and can expose the landlord to liability.
Illinois's Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710/1) governs security deposits for residential rentals in Granite City. The following rules apply:
No Statutory Cap: Illinois state law does not limit the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit for units outside Chicago. A landlord in Granite City may charge any amount agreed upon in the lease.
30-Day Return Deadline: After a tenant vacates the rental unit, the landlord must return the security deposit (or the balance remaining after lawful deductions) within 30 days. Along with any withheld amount, the landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized written statement identifying each deduction and the cost of each claimed repair or cleaning expense.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: Under 765 ILCS 710/1, if a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within the 30-day period, the tenant is entitled to recover the full deposit amount. Additional remedies — including court costs and attorney fees — may be available depending on the facts of the case. Tenants should document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with dated photographs to support any deposit dispute.
Allowable Deductions: Landlords may lawfully deduct from the security deposit for unpaid rent and for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Routine wear and tear — such as minor scuffs on walls or carpet wear from ordinary use — may not be charged against the deposit.
Interest on Deposits: Unlike Chicago's RLTO (Chicago Muni. Code § 5-12-080), Illinois state law does not require landlords outside Chicago to pay interest on security deposits unless the rental property has 25 or more units and the deposit is held for more than six months (765 ILCS 710/1). Most small landlords in Granite City are not subject to this interest requirement.
Evictions in Granite City are governed by the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/9-101 through 9-321). Illinois law requires landlords to follow a specific legal process; any attempt to remove a tenant without a court order is unlawful.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing an eviction lawsuit, the landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice. The type and duration of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing the Complaint: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction complaint in Madison County Circuit Court. The tenant will be served with a summons and given a court date.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties appear before a judge. The tenant has the right to present defenses, such as the landlord's failure to maintain habitable conditions, retaliation, or procedural defects in the notice. If the court rules for the landlord, it issues an Order of Possession.
Step 4 — Enforcement: If the tenant does not vacate voluntarily after a court order, the landlord may request a writ of assistance or writ of possession, which is enforced by the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Only the sheriff may physically remove a tenant.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: A landlord in Granite City may not change the locks, remove the tenant's belongings, shut off utilities (heat, water, electricity), or otherwise attempt to force out a tenant without a valid court order (735 ILCS 5/9-101). Tenants who experience self-help eviction tactics may seek emergency injunctive relief and damages in court.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws are complex, and individual circumstances vary. While we strive to keep this content accurate and up to date as of April 2026, laws and local ordinances can change at any time. Granite City and Madison County renters with specific legal questions should consult a licensed Illinois attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization such as Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online. Do not rely solely on this guide when making decisions about your housing situation.
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