Illinois Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Illinois has no deposit cap, but landlords with five or more units must return deposits within 30 days when they deduct and 45 days when they do not (765 ILCS 710/1). Local rent control is barred statewide, though Chicago’s own ordinance adds tenant protections on top of state law.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Illinois?
An Illinois landlord with five or more units must return the deposit within 45 days, or within 30 days with an itemized statement and receipts if any deduction is made.
| Maximum Deposit | No statutory limit |
| Return Deadline | 30 days with deductions; 45 days without (buildings of 5+ units) |
| Interest Required | Yes for 25+ units when held more than six months (765 ILCS 715) |
| Itemized Statement | Required, with copies of paid receipts |
| Statute Reference | 765 ILCS 710/1 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Illinois?
Illinois does not cap rent increases and its Rent Control Preemption Act stops cities from adopting rent control; for month-to-month tenants a change needs 30 days’ notice.
| Rent Control Status | Prohibited statewide (50 ILCS 825) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days for month-to-month |
| Statute Reference | 50 ILCS 825; 735 ILCS 5/9-207 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Illinois
An Illinois eviction for unpaid rent starts with a 5-day written demand; a lease violation calls for a 10-day notice.
| Non-Payment Notice | 5 days |
| Lease Violation Notice | 10 days |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Statute Reference | 735 ILCS 5/9-207, 5/9-209, 5/9-210 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Illinois?
State law sets no notice period, so the lease governs; in Chicago the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance requires 2 days’ notice.
| Notice Required | No statewide period; 2 days in Chicago |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed |
What Must a Illinois Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Radon hazard disclosure for units below the third floor (420 ILCS 46)
- Shared utility billing arrangements (765 ILCS 740)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Illinois?
Illinois courts imply a warranty of habitability in residential leases, and tenants can repair and deduct small defects under the Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act.
What Illinois landlords must maintain
- • Keep the unit fit for habitation under the implied warranty of habitability
- • Comply with local building and housing codes
What a Illinois tenant can do
- • Repair and deduct after 14 days’ written notice (limit below)
- • Withhold rent or sue for damages for breach of the warranty
| Repair & Deduct | Lesser of $500 or half a month’s rent |
| Statute Reference | 765 ILCS 742 |