Tenant Rights in Peoria, Illinois

Last updated: April 2026

Peoria renters are protected by Illinois statewide landlord-tenant law, including the Security Deposit Return Act and anti-retaliation rules. Rent control is prohibited statewide, and Peoria has no local tenant protection ordinance.

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Key Takeaways

Rent Control: None — Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits local rent control ordinances statewide.
Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement (765 ILCS 710); wrongful withholding triggers twice the withheld amount plus attorney's fees.
Notice to Vacate: At least 30 days' written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy.
Just Cause Eviction: Not required — landlords do not need a stated reason to end a month-to-month tenancy with proper notice.
Local Resources: Illinois Legal Aid Online (illinoislegalaid.org), Land of Lincoln Legal Aid (lollaf.org), Central Illinois Legal Aid

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Peoria

Peoria renters are governed by Illinois statewide landlord-tenant law, including the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) and the Retaliatory Eviction Act (765 ILCS 720). Peoria has no local tenant protection ordinance equivalent to the Chicago RLTO. Illinois prohibits local rent control under 765 ILCS 720, making state law the governing framework for all residential rentals in Peoria County.

2. Does Peoria Have Rent Control?

Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control. Landlords in Peoria may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy. There are no rent increase limits under state or Peoria County law.

3. Illinois State Tenant Protections That Apply in Peoria

Illinois law provides these key protections for Peoria renters:

Security Deposit: Landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement under 765 ILCS 710. Wrongful withholding entitles the tenant to twice the withheld amount plus attorney's fees.
Notice to Terminate: At least 30 days' written notice is required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy.
Habitability: Landlords must maintain habitable premises under Illinois common law. Tenants can assert habitability violations as a defense in eviction proceedings.
Anti-Retaliation: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights (765 ILCS 720/1).
Lockout Prohibition: Self-help eviction is illegal. Landlords must obtain a court judgment before removing a tenant.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Peoria

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. Wrongful withholding entitles you to twice the withheld amount plus attorney's fees. Document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out and provide your forwarding address in writing.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Peoria

To evict a tenant in Peoria, a landlord must serve written notice — 5 days for nonpayment of rent or 10 days for lease violations — then file an eviction action in Peoria County Circuit Court if you do not vacate. You have the right to contest the eviction. Self-help eviction is illegal; landlords who lock you out or shut off utilities without a court order may face civil liability.

6. Resources for Peoria Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Peoria have rent control?

No. Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits local rent control ordinances statewide. Peoria has no rent stabilization program.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Peoria?

There is no limit. Illinois has no rent stabilization law, so landlords may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy.

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

30 days from move-out with a written itemized statement under 765 ILCS 710. Wrongful withholding can entitle you to twice the withheld amount plus attorney's fees.

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

A 5-day written notice for nonpayment of rent or 10 days for lease violations is standard. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days' written notice is required.

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois. A landlord who locks you out or shuts off utilities without a court order may face civil liability.

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

Send a written repair request. If the landlord fails to act, you may assert habitability as a defense in eviction proceedings or pursue a civil claim. Contact Illinois Legal Aid Online or Land of Lincoln Legal Aid for help.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Peoria and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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