Tenant Rights in Lombard, Illinois

Last updated: April 2026

Lombard is a DuPage County village known as the 'Lilac Village.' Illinois state law governs all Lombard leases — here is what every Lombard renter needs to know about deposits, repairs, and eviction.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: No — Illinois state law prohibits rent control statewide (765 ILCS 720). Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
  • Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710).
  • Notice to Vacate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy.
  • Just Cause Eviction: Illinois does not require just cause for eviction outside Chicago. Landlords must follow the court eviction process.
  • Local Resources: Prairie State Legal Services (pslegal.org), Illinois Legal Aid Online (illinoislegalaid.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Lombard

Lombard renters are governed by Illinois state landlord-tenant law. The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance does not apply in Lombard, but the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), the implied warranty of habitability under Illinois common law, and the anti-retaliation provisions of 765 ILCS 720 all protect Lombard tenants. Rent control is prohibited statewide, and Lombard has not adopted any local tenant protection ordinance.

Lombard is located in DuPage County, and eviction actions are heard in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court of DuPage County. Tenants in Lombard have access to Prairie State Legal Services, which provides free civil legal assistance throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area including DuPage County.

This page is an informational overview only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Illinois attorney or a qualified legal aid organization for guidance on your specific situation.

2. Does Lombard Have Rent Control?

Lombard has no rent control, and Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits all municipalities from enacting rent control ordinances. This preemption is statewide and applies to every Illinois community, including Lombard. Landlords may raise rent by any amount, provided they give proper advance written notice.

For month-to-month tenants, at least 30 days written notice is required before a rent increase takes effect. Fixed-term lease tenants are protected from mid-lease increases unless the lease explicitly allows it and the tenant consents in writing. If you receive a rent increase you believe is retaliatory — for example, issued shortly after you complained about a housing code violation — you may have a defense under 765 ILCS 720/1.

3. Illinois State Tenant Protections That Apply in Lombard

Illinois law provides the following core protections for Lombard renters:

  • Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710): Landlords must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions. Buildings with 25 or more units must hold deposits in an interest-bearing account and pay interest annually.
  • Implied Warranty of Habitability: Illinois common law obligates landlords to maintain habitable conditions, including functioning heat, plumbing, and structural safety. Tenants may pursue remedies including rent withholding or lease termination for serious breaches.
  • 30-Day Termination Notice: Landlords must give month-to-month tenants at least 30 days written notice before terminating the tenancy.
  • Anti-Retaliation (765 ILCS 720/1): Landlords cannot retaliate for code complaints or the exercise of legal rights by raising rent, reducing services, or pursuing eviction.
  • No Self-Help Eviction: Landlords must obtain a court judgment before removing a tenant. Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities without a court order is illegal.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Lombard

Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), your Lombard landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days of move-out, accompanied by a written itemized statement of any deductions. Illinois imposes no cap on the amount of a security deposit. If the building has 25 or more units, the landlord must hold the deposit in a federally insured interest-bearing account and pay you interest annually.

Protect yourself by photographing and documenting the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with dated images. Always provide your forwarding address in writing when you vacate. If your deposit is not returned within 30 days, a written demand letter is recommended before filing a small claims action in DuPage County's 18th Judicial Circuit Court.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Lombard

Lombard landlords must follow Illinois's formal eviction process. For nonpayment of rent, a 5-day written notice to pay or vacate must be served. For lease violations, a 10-day notice to cure or vacate is required. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days written notice is required. After serving proper notice, the landlord must file an eviction action in DuPage County's 18th Judicial Circuit Court.

You have the right to appear at the eviction hearing and present defenses, including improper notice, retaliatory eviction under 765 ILCS 720/1, or the landlord's failure to maintain habitability. A court judgment must be entered before you can be removed. Self-help eviction — lock changes, utility shutoffs, or property removal — is illegal in Illinois. Contact Prairie State Legal Services if you receive an eviction notice.

6. Resources for Lombard Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lombard have rent control?

No. Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits all municipalities from enacting rent control. Landlords in Lombard may raise rent by any amount with proper advance written notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Lombard?

There is no limit on rent increases in Lombard. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 30 days written notice before a rent increase takes effect. Fixed-term leases cannot be raised mid-term without your written consent unless the lease explicitly permits it.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Lombard?

Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions. For buildings with 25 or more units, interest on the deposit must also be paid annually. Failure to comply can result in additional liability for your landlord.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Lombard?

For nonpayment of rent, a 5-day notice to pay or vacate is required. For lease violations, a 10-day notice to cure or vacate. To end a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days written notice must be given. After proper notice, the landlord must file in DuPage County's 18th Judicial Circuit Court.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Lombard?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois. Landlords cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out without a court order. Document any such conduct and contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online immediately.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Lombard?

Illinois common law requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions. Send a written repair request to your landlord and keep a copy. If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, you may have remedies including withholding rent or terminating the lease — but consult Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online before taking any unilateral action.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Lombard, Illinois and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a licensed Illinois attorney or a qualified tenant organization before taking action.

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