Illinois Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Illinois has no rent control (preempted statewide). The Chicago RLTO applies in Chicago and some suburbs. Statewide, the Security Deposit Return Act and habitability rules protect all renters.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Illinois at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Illinois state law (765 ILCS 720) prohibits local rent control. Chicago, Evanston, and other cities cannot enact ordinances under this preemption.

What Protections Illinois Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Illinois law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Chicago RLTO requires return within 30 days with itemized statement; wrongful withholding entitles tenant to twice the deposit plus interest (Chicago Muni. Code § 5-12-080). Statewide Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) also applies.

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenancies require at least 30 days written notice statewide.

Habitability

Landlords must maintain habitable conditions under Illinois common law and, in Chicago, under the RLTO.

Anti-Retaliation

Landlords cannot retaliate for code complaints or exercising legal rights (765 ILCS 720/1).

Eviction

Landlords must serve written notice and obtain court judgment. Self-help eviction is prohibited.

Major Cities in Illinois

Chicago — No rent control (preempted); strong RLTO tenant protections.
Aurora — No rent control; Illinois state law applies.
Joliet — No rent control; Illinois state law applies.
Naperville — No rent control; Illinois state law applies.
Rockford — No rent control; Illinois state law applies.
Springfield — No rent control; Illinois state law applies.
Elgin — No rent control; Illinois state law applies.
Peoria — No rent control; Illinois state law applies.
Champaign — No rent control; Illinois state law applies.
Waukegan — No rent control; Illinois state law applies.

Illinois Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Illinois renters:

Illinois Legal Aid Online — Free legal information and referrals for Illinois tenants.
Lawyers Committee for Better Housing — Chicago-area tenant legal services and eviction defense.
Prairie State Legal Services — Free legal aid for low-income residents across northern Illinois.

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