Illinois Landlord-Tenant Laws

Key legal requirements for residential landlords and property managers operating in Illinois.

Governing statute: Illinois Compiled Statutes 765 ILCS 705/ (Landlord and Tenant Act) and 765 ILCS 750/ (Security Deposit Return Act)

Security Deposit

Maximum Limit

No statutory limit (one and a half months common)

Return Deadline

30 days (45 days if deductions)

Itemized Statement

Required

Maintenance & Repairs

Landlord Obligations

Maintain habitable premises, comply with municipal building codes, keep common areas safe, provide essential services (heat, water, electricity access)

Tenant Remedies

Written notice; repair and deduct for minor repairs, rent withholding (Chicago), code enforcement reporting

Emergency Repair Timeline

24 hours for essential service interruptions (heat, water) in Chicago; otherwise reasonable time

Notice Requirements

Entry Notice

24 hours (Chicago RLTO); no statewide requirement

Rent Increase

30 days for month-to-month

Lease Termination

30 days for month-to-month

Eviction Notice Periods

Non-Payment of Rent

5 days

Lease Violation

10 days

Unconditional Quit

Not applicable

Rent Control Note

State preemption of rent control was repealed in 2024; municipalities may now enact local rent stabilization.

Disclaimer: This is a general summary of Illinois landlord-tenant law and does not constitute legal advice. Local ordinances may impose additional requirements. Consult a qualified Illinois attorney for specific situations. Last reviewed: 2026-05.

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