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Western Springs is a village in Cook County, Illinois, located in the western suburbs of Chicago. Like most Illinois communities outside Chicago, Western Springs renters rely entirely on Illinois state law for their tenant protections, as the village has enacted no local tenant-rights ordinances beyond what state law requires.
The most common questions Western Springs renters have involve security deposit returns, landlord repair obligations, and the eviction process. Illinois law provides meaningful protections in all of these areas, including the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), statewide habitability standards, and strict prohibitions on self-help eviction. Renters should also be aware that Illinois prohibits rent control statewide, meaning no cap on rent increases applies in Western Springs.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and individual circumstances vary. If you have a specific legal problem, contact a licensed Illinois attorney or a free legal aid organization.
Western Springs has no rent control, and Illinois state law makes it illegal for any municipality to enact one. Under 765 ILCS 720 — the Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act — cities, villages, and counties throughout the state are explicitly prohibited from passing any ordinance, regulation, or resolution that would control or stabilize rents on private residential property.
In practice, this means a landlord in Western Springs may raise your rent by any amount, at any time, as long as they provide proper written notice before the next rent period begins (typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies). There is no cap on rent increases, no required justification, and no local board to appeal to. Tenants whose leases are up for renewal have the right to negotiate or decline the new terms, but the landlord is not legally required to keep rents at prior levels.
While Chicago and a few suburbs have explored tenant protections in recent years, the statewide preemption under 765 ILCS 720 blocks any such effort in Western Springs absent a change in state law.
Although Western Springs has no local tenant ordinances, Illinois state law provides several important protections for renters across the state.
Security Deposit (765 ILCS 710 & 765 ILCS 711): Illinois landlords who hold a security deposit must return it — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit. If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may be entitled to the full deposit amount plus damages under the Security Deposit Return Act.
Habitability: Illinois common law imposes an implied warranty of habitability on all residential leases. Landlords must maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation, including functioning heat, plumbing, and structural integrity. Tenants who notify their landlord of serious defects and receive no timely response may have remedies including repair-and-deduct or rent withholding, depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
Notice to Terminate (735 ILCS 5/9-207): For month-to-month tenancies, either the landlord or tenant must give at least 30 days written notice before the end of a rent period to terminate the tenancy. Leases with fixed terms expire at the end of the term unless renewed.
Anti-Retaliation (765 ILCS 720/1): Illinois law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants for reporting code violations, requesting repairs, or exercising any legal right. Retaliatory conduct may include raising rent, reducing services, or threatening eviction shortly after a tenant complains. Tenants facing retaliation may raise it as a defense in eviction proceedings.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (735 ILCS 5/9-101 et seq.): Illinois law prohibits self-help eviction. A landlord may not change the locks, remove doors or windows, or deliberately shut off utilities to force a tenant out. Only a court order and enforcement by a sheriff can legally remove a tenant from a rental unit.
Illinois does not cap the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit in Western Springs. However, the handling and return of security deposits are governed by the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) and the Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 711).
Return deadline: Landlords must return the security deposit — or the balance remaining after lawful deductions — within 30 days after the tenant vacates the unit. Along with any refund, the landlord must provide a written, itemized statement of deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Failure to comply: Under 765 ILCS 710, if a landlord willfully fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within the 30-day window, the tenant may be entitled to recover the entire deposit amount regardless of any legitimate deductions. Courts may also award additional damages depending on the circumstances of the case.
Interest on deposits: Under 765 ILCS 711, landlords who hold deposits for more than 6 months in buildings with 25 or more units must pay interest on the deposit at the rate set by the Illinois Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate. This provision applies in Western Springs if the rental property meets the unit threshold.
Normal wear and tear: Landlords may not deduct from a security deposit for ordinary wear and tear — meaning the gradual deterioration that results from normal, everyday use. Deductions are only lawful for actual damage caused by the tenant beyond that standard.
In Western Springs, a landlord must follow Illinois state law to evict a tenant. Self-help eviction — such as changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities — is illegal under Illinois law and may expose the landlord to liability.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing in court, the landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing an Eviction Lawsuit: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction (forcible entry and detainer) action in Cook County Circuit Court. The tenant will be served with a summons and given an opportunity to respond and appear at a hearing.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties may present evidence. If the court rules in the landlord's favor, it issues a judgment for possession. Tenants may raise defenses including improper notice, retaliation, or habitability issues.
Step 4 — Order of Possession and Enforcement: After a judgment is entered, a tenant typically has a short period to vacate voluntarily. If they do not, the landlord may obtain an order directing the Cook County Sheriff to physically remove the tenant. Only the Sheriff — not the landlord — may carry out this removal.
No Just Cause Requirement: Western Springs does not require landlords to provide a specific reason (just cause) for non-renewing a lease or terminating a month-to-month tenancy, as long as proper statutory notice is given.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided reflects Illinois state law and publicly available sources as of April 2026, but laws and local regulations can change. The specific facts of your situation may affect your rights and remedies. For advice about your individual circumstances, please consult a licensed Illinois attorney or contact a free legal aid organization such as those listed in the resources section above.
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