Plainfield is a village in Will County in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. Its rapid residential development includes a significant rental housing stock. All landlord-tenant relationships in Plainfield are governed by Illinois state law — Plainfield has not enacted any local tenant protection ordinances comparable to Chicago’s RLTO.
Illinois state law prohibits local governments from enacting rent control (765 ILCS 720), so neither Plainfield nor Will County may cap rent increases. Core tenant protections come from the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) and common-law habitability obligations recognized by Illinois courts.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Plainfield renters facing housing disputes should contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online for free assistance.
Plainfield has no rent control, and Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits any local government from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This statewide preemption bars Plainfield, Will County, and every other Illinois municipality from limiting rent amounts or capping rent increases.
A Plainfield landlord may raise rent by any dollar amount. The only procedural requirement is at least 30 days’ written notice before the increase takes effect for month-to-month tenants. Fixed-term lease tenants are protected from mid-term increases unless their lease expressly permits them. There is no Will County rent board, no inflation index, and no appeal process for rent hikes.
A landlord who raises rent because a tenant reported a habitability problem or exercised a legal right can face liability for retaliation under Illinois law (765 ILCS 720/1).
Illinois state law provides Plainfield renters with the following baseline protections:
Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710): Landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of move-out along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney’s fees (765 ILCS 710/1).
Habitability (Illinois common law): Illinois courts recognize an implied warranty of habitability requiring landlords to maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation — including functioning heat, plumbing, and structural integrity. Tenants may raise habitability violations as a defense in eviction proceedings or seek rent abatement through the courts, but should consult an attorney before withholding rent.
Notice to Terminate: At least 30 days’ written notice is required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy under Illinois law, from either the landlord or tenant.
Anti-Retaliation (765 ILCS 720/1): Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations, contacting a government agency, or exercising other legal rights.
Lockout Prohibition: Self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois. A landlord who changes locks or shuts off utilities to force a tenant out without a court order may face civil liability. All evictions must proceed through Will County Circuit Court.
Security deposit rights in Plainfield are governed by the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710). Illinois sets no statewide maximum deposit amount — the amount is determined by the lease — but strict return procedures apply.
Return Deadline: After you vacate, your landlord must return your security deposit and provide a written itemized statement of any deductions within 30 days. Each deduction must be specified with the dollar amount charged.
Penalty for Non-Compliance: If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the itemized statement within 30 days, you may recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney’s fees under 765 ILCS 710/1.
Allowable Deductions: Landlords may deduct only for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal cleaning and repainting from ordinary use cannot be charged. Photograph the unit at both move-in and move-out and provide a written forwarding address when you vacate.
Evictions in Plainfield must follow Illinois’s formal legal process in Will County Circuit Court. Self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois.
Step 1 — Written Notice: The landlord must serve the tenant with the appropriate notice before filing:
Step 2 — Court Filing: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files an eviction action in Will County Circuit Court. The tenant is served with a summons and may appear at a hearing.
Step 3 — Hearing: Tenants may raise defenses including improper notice, payment of rent, habitability violations, or retaliation. Contact Prairie State Legal Services before the hearing date.
Step 4 — Judgment and Enforcement: If the court rules for the landlord, an order of possession is issued. Only the Will County Sheriff may physically remove the tenant. A landlord who changes locks or removes belongings without a court order may face civil liability.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Plainfield, Illinois and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a licensed Illinois attorney or tenant organization before taking action.
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