Tenant Rights in Bolingbrook, Illinois

Puntos Clave

  • Control de renta: None — Illinois state law (50 ILCS 825/5) prohibits local rent control ordinances statewide.
  • Depósito de garantía: Must be returned within 30 days of move-out with itemized statement under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710, which applies only to buildings with 5 or more units).
  • Aviso de desalojo: At least 30 days' written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy under Illinois state law.
  • Desalojo con causa justa: Not required — landlords do not need a stated reason to end a month-to-month tenancy with proper notice.
  • Recursos locales: Prairie State Legal Services (pslegal.org), Illinois Legal Aid Online (illinoislegalaid.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Bolingbrook

Bolingbrook is a large village in Will County in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, with parts also extending into DuPage County. Renters here are governed entirely by Illinois state landlord-tenant law — there is no Bolingbrook-specific tenant ordinance comparable to the Chicago or Evanston RLTOs.

Illinois state law (50 ILCS 825/5) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control, so neither Bolingbrook nor Will County may cap rent increases. Core tenant protections flow from the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) and related state statutes governing habitability, anti-retaliation, and eviction procedure.

This page is intended as general informational education only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters facing urgent housing issues should contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online.

2. Does Bolingbrook Have Rent Control?

Bolingbrook has no rent control, and Illinois state law (50 ILCS 825/5) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This statewide preemption applies to every Illinois municipality, including Bolingbrook. The village has no authority to limit rent increases, impose rent registration, or cap how much a landlord can charge.

A Bolingbrook landlord may raise rent by any dollar amount. The only constraint is proper written notice — at least 30 days' notice for month-to-month tenancies under Illinois law. Fixed-term lease tenants are protected from increases until the lease expires unless the lease expressly permits mid-term changes.

3. Illinois State Tenant Protections That Apply in Bolingbrook

Illinois state law provides the following key protections for Bolingbrook renters:

2025-2026 Illinois law updates: Effective January 1, 2026, the Safer Homes Act (Public Act 103-1031) requires landlords to attach the Illinois Department of Human Rights' Summary of Rights to every residential lease; House Bill 3566 (Public Act 104-0317) prohibits landlords from naming minors as defendants in an eviction action, and a violation requires dismissal of the case and allows a $1,000 penalty plus actual damages and attorney's fees; and Senate Bill 1563 allows owners to have police remove certain unauthorized occupants or squatters under the criminal trespass statute without filing a full eviction case. Separately, the Landlord Retaliation Act took effect January 1, 2025, creating a one-year presumption that adverse landlord action taken after a tenant's protected activity is retaliatory.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Bolingbrook

Security deposit rules in Bolingbrook are governed by the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710). There is no Illinois statewide cap on the security deposit amount — it is whatever is agreed to in your lease. Landlords must, however, follow strict return procedures.

Return Deadline: After you vacate, your landlord has 30 days to return your deposit along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. The statement must specify each deduction and the dollar amount charged.

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

Allowable Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Document the unit's condition with dated photographs at both move-in and move-out, and provide your forwarding address in writing when you move out.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Bolingbrook

To evict a tenant in Bolingbrook, a landlord must follow Illinois's formal eviction process — self-help methods are illegal.

Step 1 — Written Notice: The landlord must first serve a written notice:

Step 2 — Filing in Court: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file an eviction action in Will County Circuit Court (12th Judicial Circuit). The tenant has the right to appear and contest.

Step 3 — Hearing and Judgment: Tenants may raise defenses including habitability violations, improper notice, and retaliation. Contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online for assistance before the hearing date.

Step 4 — Enforcement: Only the Will County Sheriff may physically remove a tenant after a court order — the landlord cannot act independently.

Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: A landlord who changes locks, shuts off utilities, or removes belongings without a court order may face civil liability. Contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online immediately if this occurs.

6. Resources for Bolingbrook Tenants

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Bolingbrook, Illinois and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization before taking action.

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Preguntas Frecuentes

Does Bolingbrook have rent control?
No. Bolingbrook has no rent control ordinance. Illinois state law (50 ILCS 825/5) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances statewide. Neither Bolingbrook nor Will County has any authority to cap rent increases.
How much can my landlord raise my rent in Bolingbrook?
There is no cap. Illinois has no rent stabilization law, so landlords may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal. For month-to-month tenancies, at least 30 days' written notice is required before the increase takes effect. Fixed-term lease tenants are protected until the lease expires unless the lease allows mid-term changes.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Bolingbrook?
30 days from move-out under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710). The landlord must provide a written itemized statement of any deductions and return any remaining balance. Failure to comply may entitle you to twice the withheld amount plus attorney's fees.
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Bolingbrook?
5 days for nonpayment of rent, 10 days for lease violations, or at least 30 days to terminate a month-to-month tenancy 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 Bolingbrook?
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois. A landlord who changes locks 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 if this happens.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Bolingbrook?
Illinois common law imposes an implied warranty of habitability. Send your landlord a written repair request and keep a copy. If they fail to act, you may be able to raise habitability as a defense in any eviction proceeding or seek rent abatement through Will County Circuit Court. Contact Prairie State Legal Services or Illinois Legal Aid Online for guidance before withholding rent.

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