Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
Illinois Landlord-Tenant Laws
Illinois has no statewide security deposit cap, but Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) is one of the most tenant-protective local laws in the country — and it applies to the vast majority of Chicago rentals. Know which rules apply to your property.
Key Rules at a Glance
Security Deposit Limit
No statewide limit (Chicago: no limit, but interest required)
Chicago landlords must pay annual interest on deposits held more than 6 months in buildings with 6+ units.
Deposit Return Deadline
30 days (statewide) / 30 days (Chicago with itemized)
Chicago's RLTO requires return within 30 days or itemized statement within 30 days. Failure = 2× deposit in damages.
Notice to Enter
No statewide statute / 2 days (Chicago)
Chicago's RLTO requires 2 days notice before non-emergency entry.
Rent Increase Notice
No statewide requirement / 30 days (Chicago)
Chicago requires 30 days written notice for rent increases. No statewide requirement.
Late Fee
Must be in lease; reasonable
Chicago caps late fees at $10/month for units under $500/mo rent; proportional above that.
Nonpayment Eviction Notice
5-day notice to pay or vacate
Written notice required before filing an eviction lawsuit in circuit court.
Lease Termination (Month-to-Month)
30 days (statewide) / 30 days (Chicago)
Chicago requires 30 days written notice; tenant can terminate with proper notice without penalty.
Disclaimer:Chicago's RLTO is separate from and stricter than Illinois state law. Other Illinois cities (Evanston, etc.) may have their own ordinances. Consult a local attorney for your specific municipality.
Prorated Rent Calculator
Calculate mid-month rent.
Open →Late Rent Notice
Generate a notice instantly.
Open →Move-In Report
Document property condition.
Open →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chicago require interest on security deposits?
Yes. Landlords in Chicago buildings with 6 or more units must pay interest on security deposits held for more than 6 months. The interest rate is set annually by the city. Failure to pay interest is a violation of the RLTO.
How long does an Illinois landlord have to return a security deposit?
30 days statewide. Under Chicago's RLTO, failure to return or provide an itemized statement within 30 days entitles the tenant to 2× the deposit as damages plus attorney fees.
How much advance notice is required to enter a Chicago apartment?
Chicago's RLTO requires 2 days written notice before non-emergency entry. Statewide Illinois law has no specific requirement, but reasonable notice is expected.
What is the eviction process in Illinois for non-payment?
Serve a written 5-day notice to pay or vacate. If not paid within 5 days, file an eviction lawsuit in the circuit court of the county. A court date is typically set within 2–4 weeks.
Does Chicago have rent control?
Not currently. Illinois state law preempts local rent control, and a 1997 state law barred municipalities from enacting rent control. There are ongoing legislative efforts to change this.