Landlord Rules in Illinois: Renting Out Property (2026)

Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Illinois · Last updated 2026-05-18

Renting a unit in Illinois means working inside the Illinois residential landlord-tenant framework. The deposit refund deadline (As of the current ILGA text, Illinois's Security Deposit Return Act is not limited to.) and the entry-notice minimum ((see state code)) are the two most-cited Illinois rules in landlord-tenant disputes. The sections that follow walk the Illinois-specific path step by step.

Key Considerations

When a Illinois tenancy must be terminated for cause, the statutory eviction process is the only lawful path. 735 ILCS 5/9-209 Independent of any eviction posture, fair-housing rules apply throughout the tenancy. The state complaint forum is

Once a Illinois tenant is in possession, two timing rules matter. The landlord cannot walk in unannounced. (consult the state code) And the landlord cannot terminate a month-to-month arrangement without statutory notice. 30 days' notice

Two compliance levers shape the front end of any Illinois tenancy. Registration or rental-license requirements come first. No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. Security-deposit caps and refund timing come second. No legal limit On returns, As of the current ILGA text, Illinois's Security Deposit Return Act is not limited to residential properties of 5 or more units. A lessor of residential real property who withholds any part of a security deposit for property damage must furnish an itemized statement within 30 days after the tenant vacates or the tenant's right of possession ends, whichever is later. If the required statement and receipts are not furnished, the lessor must return the security deposit in full within 45 days after the tenant vacates. Smaller rentals are not excluded by the current text of 765 ILCS 710/1; any contrary 5-unit scope statement appears outdated and should not be used as the 2026 rule.

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Residential Lease Agreement Rental Application Form Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

Relevant Documents

The Illinois landlord toolkit centers on a state-specific lease (with statutory disclosures), a compliant entry-notice template, a deposit-itemization form keyed to the state's return deadline, and the pre-suit eviction notice format the state requires before filing.

Landlord's Rules and Regulations

A supplementary document to the lease that outlines specific rules for the property, such as quiet hours, guest policies, and maintenance responsibilities.

Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

A document that records the condition of the rental property before the tenant moves in and after they move out, which helps determine if any damage occurred during the tenancy.

Notice of Entry Form

A document used by landlords to notify tenants of their intent to enter the rental property, typically required by state law with specific advance notice periods.

Rental Application Form

A form used to collect information about potential tenants, including employment history, income, references, and authorization for background and credit checks.

Residential Lease Agreement

A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement, including rent amount, security deposit, lease duration, and other important provisions.

Security Deposit Receipt

A document acknowledging the landlord's receipt of the security deposit, including the amount, date received, and where the deposit will be held.

Relevant Laws

Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710)

This law regulates how landlords must handle security deposits in Illinois. Landlords must return security deposits within 30-45 days after a tenant moves out, depending on whether there are deductions. For properties with 5+ units, landlords must pay interest on security deposits held for more than 6 months.

Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)

For properties in Chicago, this ordinance provides additional tenant protections beyond state law. It requires specific disclosures in leases, regulates security deposits more strictly, and limits landlord entry to reasonable notice (typically 48 hours). This ordinance applies to most rental properties in Chicago except owner-occupied buildings with 6 or fewer units.

Illinois Retaliatory Eviction Act (765 ILCS 720)

This law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as complaining to governmental authorities about building code violations or joining a tenants' union. Landlords cannot evict, raise rent, or decrease services in response to these protected activities.

Illinois Rental Property Utility Service Act (765 ILCS 735)

This law regulates how landlords handle utility services in rental properties. It prohibits landlords from deliberately interrupting essential services like heat, electricity, gas, or water, and provides remedies for tenants if such interruptions occur.

Illinois Safe Homes Act (765 ILCS 750)

This law allows tenants who are victims of domestic or sexual violence to terminate their lease early or change locks for safety reasons. Landlords must comply with these requests when proper documentation is provided.

Illinois Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (410 ILCS 45)

This law requires landlords to disclose known lead hazards to tenants before signing a lease. For buildings built before 1978, landlords must provide tenants with lead hazard information pamphlets and disclose any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.

Regional Variances

Chicago and Cook County

Chicago has its own Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) that provides additional protections beyond Illinois state law. Key differences include: stricter security deposit requirements (must be held in separate interest-bearing accounts), mandatory disclosures, specific lease termination procedures, and more tenant-friendly repair and deduct provisions. Landlords must provide a summary of the RLTO to tenants. Violations can result in significant penalties, including tenant's right to terminate the lease and recover damages.

Evanston has its own Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance with specific requirements for security deposits, including interest payments. The city also has a landlord registration program and additional fair housing protections beyond state law.

Cook County has its own Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) that applies to most residential rental properties in suburban Cook County. The ordinance includes provisions on security deposits, disclosures, landlord entry, maintenance responsibilities, and anti-retaliation protections. Landlords must provide a copy of the ordinance to tenants.

Other Major Cities

Urbana has a Landlord-Tenant Ordinance that requires landlords to provide tenants with specific disclosures and maintain properties according to local building codes. The city also has a tenant union rights provision and specific requirements for security deposit returns.

Champaign has a Landlord-Tenant Ordinance with specific requirements for rental property registration and inspections. The city also has a Tenant Union program that provides mediation services for landlord-tenant disputes.

Oak Park has additional fair housing protections and rent control measures that landlords must comply with. The village also has specific requirements for rental property registration and inspections.

University Towns

Normal has specific ordinances related to student housing near Illinois State University, including occupancy limits, noise regulations, and parking requirements that differ from other residential areas.

Carbondale, home to Southern Illinois University, has specific rental licensing requirements and inspection programs. The city also has ordinances addressing common issues in student housing areas, including occupancy limits and property maintenance standards.

DeKalb has a Crime-Free Housing program that affects rental properties. Landlords must attend training, conduct background checks on tenants, and include specific lease addendums related to criminal activity. The city also has specific regulations for properties near Northern Illinois University.

Suggested Compliance Checklist

Check rental-registration and licensing obligations

Before listing days after starting

No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable.

Set the security deposit within the statutory cap and hold the funds correctly

Before signing days after starting

No legal limit

Attach the required disclosures to the lease and have the tenant initial each

At lease signing days after starting

A landlord must provide prospective tenants with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency pamphlet "Radon Guide for Tenants", copies of any records of radon hazards, and the Disclosure of Information on Radon Hazards to Tenants form.

Document advance notice for any non-emergency entry

Ongoing days after starting

(consult the state code)

Match the month-to-month termination notice to the statutory minimum

As needed days after starting

30 days' notice

Document: lease-termination-letter

Refund or itemize the deposit before the statutory cut-off

At move-out days after starting

As of the current ILGA text, Illinois's Security Deposit Return Act is not limited to residential properties of 5 or more units. A lessor of residential real property who withholds any part of a security deposit for property damage must furnish an itemized statement within 30 days after the tenant vacates or the tenant's right of possession ends, whichever is later. If the required statement and receipts are not furnished, the lessor must return the security deposit in full within 45 days after the tenant vacates. Smaller rentals are not excluded by the current text of 765 ILCS 710/1; any contrary 5-unit scope statement appears outdated and should not be used as the 2026 rule.

Route any eviction through the required pre-suit notice and court filing

If eviction needed days after starting

735 ILCS 5/9-209

Document screening criteria and adverse decisions against fair-housing standards