Illinois law bans rent control statewide. No city — including Chicago — can limit rent increases. But Chicago tenants have significant protections under the RLTO.
Illinois Rent Control at a Glance
Local rent control: Illegal — the Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825/) bars all cities
Statewide rent cap: None
Chicago RLTO: Strong tenant protections — security deposits, habitability, anti-retaliation — but no rent cap
Cook County: Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance (unincorporated areas, 2021)
State law changes: Illinois legislature has considered but not passed preemption repeal bills