Tenant Rights in Romeoville, Illinois

Last updated: April 2026

Romeoville renters in Will County are governed by Illinois state landlord-tenant law — no local rent control exists and no Romeoville-specific tenant ordinance applies beyond state law.

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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 itemized statement; wrongful withholding entitles tenant to double the withheld amount plus attorney’s fees (765 ILCS 710/1)
  • Notice to Vacate: At least 30 days’ written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy under Illinois state law
  • Just Cause Eviction: Not required — landlords may terminate a month-to-month tenancy with proper notice and no stated cause
  • Local Resources: Prairie State Legal Services (pslegal.org), Illinois Legal Aid Online (illinoislegalaid.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Romeoville

Romeoville is a village in Will County in the southwest Chicago suburbs with a growing population and significant rental housing market. Like all Illinois municipalities outside Chicago and Evanston, Romeoville has no local tenant protection ordinances — there is no local rent board, no city just-cause eviction requirement, and no Romeoville RLTO.

All landlord-tenant rights and obligations are set by Illinois state law, including the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 720), the statewide rent control prohibition (765 ILCS 720), and common-law habitability obligations. Evictions are handled through Will County Circuit Court following formal notice and hearing procedures.

This guide summarizes your rights as a Romeoville renter under Illinois law. It is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Renters facing housing issues should contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online.

2. Does Romeoville Have Rent Control?

Romeoville has no rent control, and Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) bars any local government from enacting rent control or rent stabilization. This preemption applies to villages, cities, and counties throughout Illinois. Romeoville’s Village Board has no authority to limit rent increases or cap how much a landlord may charge.

A Romeoville landlord may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, or with at least 30 days’ written notice for month-to-month tenants. For tenants with fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease expires unless the lease contains a specific rent-escalation clause. There is no Will County rent board and no review process for rent hikes.

A landlord cannot raise rent in retaliation for a tenant having reported a housing code violation or exercised a legal right under 765 ILCS 720/1. If you suspect a retaliatory rent hike, contact Prairie State Legal Services for guidance.

3. Illinois State Tenant Protections That Apply in Romeoville

Illinois state law provides Romeoville renters with the following core protections:

Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710): Landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions. Failure entitles the tenant to recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney’s fees (765 ILCS 710/1). Illinois sets no statewide deposit cap.

Habitability (Illinois common law): The implied warranty of habitability requires landlords to keep rental units fit for human habitation — including heat, plumbing, structural safety, and freedom from vermin. Tenants may raise habitability as a defense in eviction proceedings or seek rent abatement, 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 party.

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 — changing locks, removing doors or windows, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out — is illegal in Illinois. All evictions must go through Will County Circuit Court.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Romeoville

Security deposits in Romeoville are governed by the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710). Illinois sets no maximum deposit amount; whatever the lease specifies applies. However, strict return requirements must be followed:

Return Deadline: Your landlord must return your deposit and provide a written itemized statement of any deductions within 30 days after you vacate the unit. Each deduction must identify the specific damage and dollar amount.

Penalty for Non-Compliance: If your landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required written statement within 30 days, you are entitled to recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney’s fees under 765 ILCS 710/1.

Allowable Deductions: Deductions are permitted 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 move-in and move-out and provide a written forwarding address when you vacate.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Romeoville

To evict a tenant in Romeoville, a landlord must follow Illinois’s formal eviction process in Will County Circuit Court. Self-help methods are illegal.

Step 1 — Written Notice: The landlord must serve the correct notice before filing:

  • Non-payment of rent: 5-day notice to pay or vacate
  • Lease violation other than non-payment: 10-day notice to cure or vacate
  • Month-to-month termination: At least 30 days’ written notice

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 scheduled for a hearing.

Step 3 — Hearing: Both parties may appear and present evidence. Tenants may raise defenses including payment of rent, habitability violations, improper notice, 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 — the landlord cannot do so independently.

6. Resources for Romeoville Tenants

  • Prairie State Legal Services — Free civil legal services for low-income residents of northern and central Illinois, including Will County.
  • Illinois Legal Aid Online — Free legal information, self-help resources, and attorney referrals for Illinois renters.
  • Will County — Information on housing court, rental assistance, and legal aid referrals for Will County residents.
  • HUD Illinois Renting Resources — Federal fair housing resources and HUD-approved housing counselors serving Will County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Romeoville have rent control?

No. Romeoville has no rent control ordinance. Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control or rent stabilization. Neither Romeoville nor Will County can cap rent increases. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper advance notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Romeoville?

There is no legal limit on rent increases in Romeoville. Illinois’s statewide preemption (765 ILCS 720) bars any local rent cap. For month-to-month tenants, at least 30 days’ written notice is required before an increase takes effect. Fixed-term lease tenants are protected from mid-term increases unless the lease specifically allows them. A landlord cannot raise rent as retaliation for reporting a housing code violation (765 ILCS 720/1).

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

30 days from move-out under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710). The landlord must also provide a written itemized statement of any deductions. If the landlord fails to comply within 30 days, you may recover twice the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney’s fees under 765 ILCS 710/1.

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

For non-payment of rent, a 5-day notice to pay or vacate is required. For other lease violations, a 10-day notice to cure or vacate applies. To end a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days’ written notice is required under Illinois law. After proper notice, the landlord must file in Will County Circuit Court — they cannot remove you without a court order.

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois. A landlord who changes locks, removes your belongings, or shuts off utilities to force you out without a court order may face civil liability. Contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online immediately and document everything.

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

Illinois common law imposes an implied warranty of habitability. Put your repair request in writing and keep a copy. If the landlord fails to act, you may raise habitability as a defense in eviction or seek rent abatement in Will County Circuit Court. You can also report the condition to Romeoville’s building department. Contact Prairie State Legal Services before withholding rent.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Romeoville, 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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