Illinois
2.3 million Hispanics
Summary: renting in Illinois
Illinois, especially Chicago, offers significant protections including interest on security deposits.
Renting in Illinois can be a very different experience depending on where you live. If you reside in Chicago, you have strong protections under the Chicago Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance, one of the most comprehensive tenant ordinances in the country. This law covers everything from security deposits to eviction notices. For the more than 2.3 million Hispanics who call Illinois home, understanding these rules can mean the difference between losing money or getting it back, between staying in your home or facing an unnecessary eviction.
At the state level, Illinois does not set a maximum limit for security deposits, but in Chicago that limit is 1.5 months' rent. Eviction notices in Illinois can range from 5 to 30 days depending on the reason, and the state has no statewide rent control, although Chicago has its own local ordinances. Understanding the difference between city and state rules is essential: protections in Chicago are significantly stronger than in the rest of Illinois, and many tenants don't realize this until it's too late.
Main law: Chicago Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance
Maximum deposit
No state limit (Chicago: 1.5 months)
Eviction notice
5-30 days
Rent control
No state control (Chicago has ordinances)
💡 Tip for Illinois
In Chicago, your landlord may owe you interest on your security deposit. Keep your receipts.
⚠️ Common problem to avoid
City vs. state differences: Chicago rules are more protective than the rest of Illinois.
Security deposit in Illinois
In Illinois there is no statewide limit on security deposits, meaning that outside of Chicago your landlord could charge any amount. However, if you live in Chicago, the law caps that deposit at 1.5 months' rent, and your landlord is also required to pay you interest on that money. Always request a written receipt when you hand over the deposit, take dated photos of the apartment's condition when you move in and out, and document any pre-existing damage. Those records can be your best defense for getting your money back.
The eviction process in Illinois
In Illinois, eviction notices can range from 5 to 30 days depending on the reason: for nonpayment of rent, the notice is typically 5 days; for other causes it can extend up to 30 days. If you receive a notice, do not ignore it under any circumstances. You have legal rights and deadlines that must be respected or you risk losing them. The first thing you should do is read the notice carefully, keep a copy, and seek free legal advice immediately. Ignoring an eviction notice in Illinois can speed up the process and leave you without options.
Rent and increases in Illinois
Illinois has no statewide rent control, meaning that outside of Chicago landlords can raise rent with relative freedom as long as they provide proper notice. In Chicago, however, local ordinances may offer additional protections depending on the type of housing and the neighborhood. If your landlord wants to raise your rent, check whether your building or area is covered by any local Chicago ordinance. Never stop paying rent without legal advice, even if you have a dispute with your landlord, as this can put your housing at risk.
Practical checklist for tenants in Illinois
- Always request a written receipt when you hand over your security deposit to the landlord.
- Take dated photos of the apartment when you move in and out to document its condition.
- If you live in Chicago, check whether your landlord owes you interest on your security deposit.
- If you receive an eviction notice, keep a copy and seek free legal advice immediately.
- Find out if your Chicago building is covered by local rent or eviction ordinances.
- Report housing discrimination by calling HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or contacting Fair Housing.
Key tenant rights in Illinois
- • Right to a habitable and safe home
- • Protection against housing discrimination
- • Right to privacy (notice before the landlord enters)
- • Protection against retaliation for legitimate complaints
- • Right to the return of the security deposit
Do you have a problem with your landlord in Illinois? Follow these steps
- 1
Document everything: keep your lease, payment receipts, and take dated photos of any problem in the home.
- 2
Always notify your landlord in writing (text message, email, or letter) and keep a copy. Verbal messages do not work as proof.
- 3
If the landlord does not respond, seek free legal help for Illinois tenants. Many organizations advise you at no cost.
- 4
Call 2-1-1 to find local housing resources and assistance in your area, available in Spanish.
- 5
If you suffered discrimination, report it for free to HUD by calling 1-800-669-9777.
Frequently asked questions about Illinois
If you need help in Illinois, dial 2-1-1 to connect with free local resources in Spanish. Organizations like Metropolitan Tenants Organization and Legal Aid Chicago offer free advice to tenants. If you believe you have been a victim of housing discrimination, call HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or contact a Fair Housing agency in your area. Don't face a housing problem alone: in Illinois there are support networks ready to help you.
How much can the landlord ask me for a security deposit in Illinois?
In Illinois, the security deposit limit is: No state limit (Chicago: 1.5 months). Always keep the payment receipt and take photos of the home condition when you move in to protect your money.
How much notice can they give me before eviction in Illinois?
The typical eviction notice in Illinois is 5-30 days. Never ignore a notice: respond immediately and seek free legal help if you believe the eviction is unfair.
Is there rent control in Illinois?
About rent control in Illinois: No state control (Chicago has ordinances). Even if there is no state control, some cities have their own rules, so check the local ordinance.
What is the main law that protects me as a tenant in Illinois?
The key law in Illinois is the Chicago Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance. This rule defines your basic rights over habitability, deposits, repairs, and the eviction process.
Resources in Illinois
- • Call 2-1-1 for local resources
- • Free legal help for Illinois tenants
- • HUD — Discrimination complaints
Need a letter?
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