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Maywood is a village in Cook County, Illinois, located just west of Chicago, with a population of roughly 24,000 residents. A significant share of Maywood households are renters, many seeking affordable housing close to the Chicago metro area. Tenants in Maywood are governed entirely by Illinois state law — there is no local rent control ordinance, no local tenant rights code, and no village-specific landlord licensing program beyond what state statutes require.
Illinois provides renters with meaningful baseline protections: the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), the Rent Control Preemption Act (765 ILCS 720), anti-retaliation statutes, and common-law habitability obligations all apply to every rental unit in Maywood. Because Maywood is in Cook County but is not Chicago, the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) does not apply here. Tenants should rely on the statewide framework described on this page.
This page summarizes Illinois tenant rights as they apply to renters in Maywood. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney or legal aid organization for advice specific to your situation.
Maywood has no rent control and no rent stabilization ordinance. Illinois state law explicitly forbids local governments from enacting any form of rent control or rent stabilization. Under the Rent Control Preemption Act, 765 ILCS 720/1, "no unit of local government, including a home rule unit, may enact, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential or commercial property."
In practice, this means a landlord in Maywood may raise your rent by any amount at any time, subject only to the notice requirements and the terms of your lease. For a month-to-month tenant, a landlord must give at least 30 days written notice before a rent increase takes effect. For a fixed-term lease, the rent cannot be raised during the lease term unless the lease itself permits it — but upon renewal, the landlord may set any new rent amount.
There is no pending local legislation to create rent control in Maywood, and any such effort would be void under 765 ILCS 720 unless the state legislature amends or repeals that preemption law. Renters facing unaffordable rent increases should consult one of the legal aid organizations listed below.
Illinois provides several important protections for all renters, including those in Maywood:
Security Deposit — 765 ILCS 710 & 765 ILCS 711: Landlords must return a security deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. If a landlord withholds the deposit in bad faith or fails to follow statutory procedures, the tenant may be entitled to damages. See the Security Deposit section below for full details.
Habitability — Illinois Common Law & 765 ILCS 735/1: Illinois recognizes an implied warranty of habitability in all residential leases. Landlords must maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation, including functioning heat, plumbing, and structural safety. If a landlord fails to remedy a serious defect after written notice, a tenant may have remedies including rent withholding or repair-and-deduct, though specific procedures matter — consult legal aid before withholding rent.
Anti-Retaliation — 765 ILCS 720/1 & Illinois Common Law: A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting housing code violations, contacting a government agency, or exercising any legal right. Retaliatory acts include unjustified rent increases, eviction notices, or reduction of services following a tenant complaint. Courts presume retaliation if an adverse action occurs within a short period after protected activity.
Notice to Terminate — 735 ILCS 5/9-207: To end a month-to-month tenancy, either party must give at least 30 days written notice before the end of a rental period. Week-to-week tenancies require 7 days notice. Fixed-term leases expire automatically at the end of the term unless renewed.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition — 765 ILCS 735/1: A landlord may not lock out a tenant, remove doors or windows, or shut off utilities as a means of forcing a tenant out. Only a court-ordered eviction enforced by the Cook County Sheriff is lawful. Self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois regardless of whether a tenant has paid rent.
Illinois does not cap the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit in Maywood. However, once collected, the deposit is tightly regulated by state law.
Return Deadline — 765 ILCS 710/1: A landlord must return the security deposit — along with a written, itemized statement of any deductions — within 30 days after the tenant surrenders possession of the unit. If the landlord claims damages, the itemized statement must be accompanied by paid receipts or a reasonable estimate of repair costs.
Interest on Deposits — 765 ILCS 710/1: If a landlord holds a deposit for more than six months, Illinois law requires the landlord to pay interest on the deposit at a rate set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The landlord must pay or credit this interest annually.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding — 765 ILCS 710/1: If a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an adequate itemized statement within the 30-day period, the tenant may sue for the amount wrongfully withheld. Under 765 ILCS 711/1, a tenant who prevails is entitled to recover the security deposit, any interest owed, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees. In cases of bad-faith withholding, courts may award additional damages.
Practical Tips: Document the condition of your unit with dated photos at move-in and move-out. Provide your forwarding address to your landlord in writing at the time you vacate, so the 30-day clock is clearly established. Keep copies of all communications.
Illinois law establishes a strict legal process for evictions. In Maywood, a landlord must follow every step or the eviction will be dismissed by the Cook County court.
Step 1 — Written Notice (735 ILCS 5/9-207 & 5/9-209): Before filing in court, the landlord must serve a written notice on the tenant. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing in Court (735 ILCS 5/9-211): If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction (formerly "forcible entry and detainer") complaint in the Cook County Circuit Court, First Municipal District. The tenant will be served with a summons and has the right to appear and contest the eviction.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties may present evidence. Common defenses include payment of rent, improper notice, retaliation, or uninhabitable conditions. If the court rules for the landlord, it issues an Order for Possession specifying the date by which the tenant must vacate.
Step 4 — Sheriff Enforcement (735 ILCS 5/9-117): Only the Cook County Sheriff may physically remove a tenant. The landlord must obtain a court order and schedule enforcement through the Sheriff's office. No other person may remove a tenant or their belongings.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal — 765 ILCS 735/1: Changing locks, removing doors, shutting off utilities, or removing the tenant's belongings without a court order is unlawful in Illinois. A tenant who is illegally locked out may seek an emergency court order for re-entry and may sue the landlord for damages.
Just Cause: Illinois has no statewide just-cause eviction requirement. A landlord may choose not to renew a lease for any non-discriminatory reason, with proper notice.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws are complex and subject to change — statutes cited here reflect the law as understood in April 2026, but may have been amended since publication. Every rental situation is different, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your case. If you have a dispute with your landlord or face eviction, please consult a qualified Illinois attorney or contact one of the legal aid organizations listed above. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation or advice.
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