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Highland Park is a lakefront city in Lake County, Illinois, with a population of approximately 30,000 residents. A significant portion of Highland Park's housing stock consists of rental units, ranging from apartment complexes to single-family rental homes. Renters in Highland Park most commonly search for information about security deposit rules, eviction procedures, and what to do when a landlord refuses repairs — all of which are governed primarily by Illinois state law.
Unlike Chicago, which has its own Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), Highland Park has no local tenant protection ordinances beyond what the state provides. This means Illinois statutes — including the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), the Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 710), and the Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 720) — form the full legal framework for renters in this city. Understanding these protections is essential for any Highland Park tenant.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of the tenant rights that apply in Highland Park, Illinois. The information here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters with specific legal questions should consult a licensed Illinois attorney or contact a local legal aid organization.
Highland Park has no rent control, and Illinois state law makes it impossible for any city in the state to enact it. The Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act (765 ILCS 720) explicitly prohibits municipalities and counties from adopting, maintaining, or enforcing any ordinance or resolution that would control the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential property. This statute has been in effect since 1997 and applies to every locality in Illinois — including Highland Park.
In practical terms, this means your landlord in Highland Park can raise your rent by any amount, at any time, as long as proper notice is given before the increase takes effect. For a month-to-month lease, a landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase becomes effective. For a fixed-term lease, the rent cannot be changed during the lease period unless the lease agreement specifically allows it. When the lease expires, however, a landlord may propose any new rent amount as a condition of renewal, and tenants are free to accept or move out.
There is no cap, no formula, and no local board that limits how much rents may rise in Highland Park. Renters facing significant rent increases should carefully review their lease terms and consult with a legal aid organization if they believe a rent increase is being imposed improperly or in retaliation for exercising a legal right.
Although Highland Park has no local tenant ordinances, Illinois state law provides meaningful baseline protections for renters throughout the state, including in Highland Park.
Security Deposit Rules (765 ILCS 710 & 765 ILCS 710/1): The Illinois Security Deposit Return Act requires landlords who own five or more rental units to return a tenant's security deposit — along with an itemized statement of any deductions — within 30 days after the tenant vacates. If a landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of the deposit, the tenant may be entitled to recover the withheld amount plus damages. The Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 710/0.01 et seq.) also requires landlords of 25 or more units to pay interest on deposits held for more than six months.
Implied Warranty of Habitability: Under well-established Illinois common law (recognized in Jack Spring, Inc. v. Little, 50 Ill. 2d 351 (1972)), landlords are obligated to maintain rental units in a habitable condition. This includes maintaining adequate heat, working plumbing and electrical systems, structural integrity, and freedom from pest infestations. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after receiving written notice, tenants may have remedies including repair-and-deduct or rent withholding — though these remedies carry legal risks and tenants should consult an attorney before acting.
Notice to Terminate (735 ILCS 5/9-207): For month-to-month tenancies, either the landlord or the tenant must provide at least 30 days' written notice before terminating the lease. For week-to-week tenancies, at least 7 days' written notice is required. Proper notice is a prerequisite before a landlord can proceed with an eviction action.
Anti-Retaliation Protections (765 ILCS 720/1): Illinois law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report code violations to local authorities, contact a building inspector, or otherwise exercise their legal rights. Retaliatory actions may include unjustified eviction notices, rent increases, or reduction of services. If a landlord takes adverse action within a year of a tenant's protected activity, Illinois courts may presume retaliation.
Prohibition on Self-Help Eviction (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.): Illinois law strictly prohibits landlords from evicting tenants through self-help methods. A landlord cannot change the locks, remove doors or windows, shut off utilities, or remove a tenant's belongings to force them out. Any landlord who engages in self-help eviction may face civil liability. A court judgment and a sheriff's enforcement order are the only lawful means of removing a tenant.
Security deposit rules in Highland Park are governed by Illinois state law. The two primary statutes are the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) and the Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 710/0.01 et seq.).
Deposit Cap: Illinois state law does not set a maximum limit on the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit in Highland Park. The amount is set by the lease agreement and subject to negotiation.
Return Deadline: Landlords who own five or more rental units must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates the unit. If deductions are made, the landlord must provide a written, itemized statement of the deductions along with any remaining deposit amount. Landlords of fewer than five units are still expected to return deposits within a reasonable time, though the statute's specific remedies apply only to larger landlords.
Penalties for Wrongful Withholding: Under 765 ILCS 710/1, if a landlord who owns five or more units fails to return the deposit (or the balance after lawful deductions) within the 30-day period without providing a proper itemized statement, the tenant may sue to recover the wrongfully withheld amount. Courts have discretion to award additional damages depending on the circumstances. Tenants should document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with dated photographs and written records.
Interest on Deposits (765 ILCS 710/0.01): Landlords who own 25 or more units and hold a security deposit for more than six months must pay interest on the deposit at a rate determined annually. The interest must be paid or credited to the tenant within 30 days after the end of each 12-month rental period.
Permissible Deductions: Landlords may deduct from the security deposit for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and other costs specifically authorized in the lease. Routine cleaning and normal wear and tear — such as minor scuffs on walls or worn carpet — cannot be charged against the deposit.
Evictions in Highland Park follow Illinois state law and must proceed through the court system. A landlord cannot remove a tenant without first obtaining a court judgment and having a sheriff enforce the order. Self-help eviction — including changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities — is illegal under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.).
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing in court, a landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice. The type and duration of notice depends 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 (formerly called "forcible entry and detainer") complaint in the Lake County Circuit Court, which serves Highland Park. The tenant will be served with a summons and given an opportunity to appear and respond.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties appear before a judge. The tenant has the right to present defenses, including improper notice, retaliation, habitability issues, or that rent was actually paid. If the judge rules in the landlord's favor, a judgment for possession is entered.
Step 4 — Order of Possession and Enforcement: After a judgment is entered, the landlord must obtain an order of possession. The Lake County Sheriff's Office enforces the order by physically removing the tenant if they have not vacated voluntarily. Tenants typically receive advance notice of the scheduled enforcement date.
Just Cause: Illinois does not require landlords to have just cause to terminate a lease when the lease term has expired or when proper notice is given to end a month-to-month tenancy. However, landlords may not evict in retaliation for a tenant's exercise of legal rights under 765 ILCS 720/1.
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws and local ordinances can change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. Highland Park renters with legal questions or housing emergencies should contact a licensed Illinois attorney or a qualified legal aid organization such as Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online. RentCheckMe makes no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of this information and is not responsible for any actions taken in reliance on it. Always verify current laws and ordinances independently or with a qualified professional.
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