Chicago, IL Local Law
Your complete guide to renter protections in Chicago, IL. Learn about local ordinances, rent control status, security deposit rules, and how city law works alongside Illinois state protections.
No
Rent Control
45
Days to Return Deposit
No statewide limit
Max Deposit
3
Local Protections
Current rent regulation status
No Local Rent Control
Chicago does not have local rent control. Illinois state law governs rent increase practices.
Without local rent control, landlords in Chicago may raise rent with proper written notice as required by Illinois law. There is no cap on the amount of increase, but it must not be retaliatory or discriminatory.
Chicago-specific laws and ordinances
Chicago RLTO requires interest on security deposits
Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance (2023)
Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance sets the notice before a rent increase (city ordinance — Illinois has no statewide rule)
Local ordinances work alongside Illinois state law. Where local protections are stronger, the local rule typically applies. View full Illinois state protections.
Laws that apply to all Illinois renters
Max Security Deposit
No statewide limit
Deposit Return Deadline
45 daysfor a full refund; to keep part for damage, an itemized statement with receipts is due within 30 days
Entry Notice Required
No state rule
Governing Statute
Illinois Compiled Statutes
Something else? Contact our team
No, Chicago does not currently have local rent control. Illinois state law governs rent increase rules. Landlords must typically provide proper written notice before raising rent.
Illinois does not set a statutory cap on security deposits. However, landlords must return deposits within 45 days of move-out.
Chicago tenants benefit from several protections: Chicago RLTO requires interest on security deposits; Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance (2023); Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance sets the notice before a rent increase (city ordinance — Illinois has no statewide rule). These are in addition to Illinois state law.
You can contact the Chicago local housing authority or code enforcement department to file complaints about habitability issues, discrimination, or landlord violations. Visit your local housing authority's website for details. You can also file with the Illinois attorney general's office for state-level violations.
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