How much notice is required to raise rent in Illinois?
30 days notice
- 30 days notice required
- No statewide rent control
- Chicago has some protections
Legal basis: 765 ILCS 705
Know your rights as a renter in Illinois. This guide covers security deposits, landlord entry, rent increases, eviction protections, and more under Illinois law.
Legal basis: Illinois landlord-tenant law — Illinois Compiled Statutes
30
Days to Return Deposit
No statewide limit (Chicago: 1.5 months)
Max Deposit
Reasonable
Entry Notice
Not Required
Deposit Escrow
What Illinois law says about deposits
Maximum Deposit
No statewide limit (Chicago: 1.5 months)
Return Deadline
30 daysor 45 days if deductions made
Penalties, interest & late-fee rules under Illinois law
If your deposit is wrongfully or late returned
Tenant may recover up to double the deposit amount plus attorney fees (varies by local ordinance).
Interest on your deposit is required
Required for properties with 25+ units in some local ordinances; Chicago requires interest on all deposits.
Grace period
No statewide grace period; Chicago requires 5-day grace period under RLTO
Must be in the lease
Yes — a late fee is only enforceable if it is written into your lease
Your privacy protections
Required Notice Period
Reasonable notice
In Illinois, your landlord must provide proper notice before entering your rental unit, except in genuine emergencies. This protects your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home.
Exceptions: Landlords may enter without notice in cases of emergency (fire, flooding, etc.) or if you've abandoned the property.
30 days notice
Legal basis: 765 ILCS 705
14 days
Legal basis: 765 ILCS 742
Protected
Legal basis: 765 ILCS 720
Early termination
Legal basis: 765 ILCS 750
Self-help illegal
Legal basis: 765 ILCS 735
Important facts about Illinois rental law
Illinois has no statewide security deposit limit, but Chicago caps at 1.5 months.
Illinois landlords must return deposits within 30-45 days of move-out.
Illinois landlords must pay interest on deposits if they own 25+ units.
Chicago tenants have some of the strongest renter protections in the country.
Common questions about Illinois tenant rights
In Illinois, the security deposit limit is No statewide limit (Chicago: 1.5 months).
Illinois landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after you move out (or 45 days if deductions made).
In Illinois, landlords must provide Reasonable notice notice before entering your rental unit.
Late fees in Illinois: No statutory cap — must be reasonable (Chicago RLTO 5-12-140(h): $10/month for the first $500 of monthly rent plus 5% per month of any amount above $500). No statewide grace period; Chicago requires 5-day grace period under RLTO.
30 days notice. 30 days notice required. No statewide rent control. Chicago has some protections. Source: 765 ILCS 705.
14 days. Landlord must maintain habitability. 14 days to repair. Repair and deduct available. Source: 765 ILCS 742.
Protected. Retaliation prohibited. Cannot evict for complaints. Document communications. Source: 765 ILCS 720.
Early termination. Can terminate early. Documentation required. No penalty. Source: 765 ILCS 750.
Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal. Court process required. Strong protections. Source: 765 ILCS 735.
Illinois tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey™ to analyze your specific lease against Illinois law.
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