Illinois Landlord-Tenant Law
Illinois is known as the Land of Lincoln – Chicago, in the northeast part of the state, provides a great cultural and economic hub while other parts of the state are rich with agriculture and natural resources. The cities and many suburbs in Illinois are a great place for investors to consider buying rental property in as there are options for every budget. For our recommendations on exactly where to invest in this state, take a look at our Illinois state rental investment report – keep reading for more information on Illinois landlord-tenant law.
Laws that impact the rental market, landlords, and tenants are constantly being decided in states. Make sure you know what’s on your ballot – find Illinois voting information here.
Illinois Landlord-Tenant Law FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to landlord-tenant laws in Illinois:
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Fix Something In Illinois?
According to the Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act, a landlord must make the repair within 14 days after being notified by the tenant. If there is an emergency repair that needs to be made, tenants can hire a workman to repair the issues and give the landlord a paid bill from the appropriate tradesman to deduct the payment from their rent.
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Illinois?
In Illinois, a landlord can only enter without permission in case of an emergency – other than that, landlords can enter at a time requested by the tenant during reasonable hours such as between 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Some cities might have specific rules like Chicago, where a landlord must give a 48-hour notice on their intent to enter the rental property.
What is the Eviction Process in Illinois?
Read the full Illinois eviction laws here. While it can vary on a case-by-case basis, if a tenant fails to pay rent or there is another lease violation, a landlord can start the eviction process – tenants have five days from the day they are first given their eviction notice to pay rent or move out of the rental and then court proceedings may follow.
Due Diligence and Ilinois Rental Laws
TurboTenant has utilized many municipal sources along with official state statutes in order to compile this information to the best of our ability. However, local laws are always in flux and landlords and tenants alike should be sure to do their due diligence and consult legal help when it’s needed. We hope the following list can serve as a valuable resource and allow you to succeed as a landlord or tenant in Illinois. Be sure to take proper precautions when it comes to finding the top candidates for your unit by utilizing our online rental application and tenant screening services.
Disclaimer: TurboTenant, Inc does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state, and federal laws and consult legal counsel should questions arise.
General Illinois Landlord-Tenant Law Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Act – (765 ILCS 705/)
- Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws – Attorney General Lisa Madigan
- Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act – (765 ILCS 742/)
Illinois Fair Housing Resources
Federal Fair Housing Resources
- Federal Fair Housing Act
- United State Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Wikipedia)
Other State Resources
- Security Deposit Return Act – (765 ILCS 710/)
- Security Deposit Interest Act – (765 ILCS 715/)
- Retaliatory Eviction Act – (765 ILCS 720/)
- Property Taxes of Alien Landlords Act – (765 ILCS 725/)
- Rent Concession Act – (765 ILCS 730/)
- Rental Property Utility Service Act – (765 ILCS 735/)
- Tenant Utility Payment Disclosure Act – (765 ILCS 740/)
- Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act – (765 ILCS 745/)
- Safe Homes Act – (765 ILCS 750/)
Illinois Associations
Illinois City-Specific Housing Resources
Chicago
- Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance Summary – City of Chicago
- Rents Right – City of Chicago
- Fair Housing and Equity Assessment: Metropolitan Chicago
- Chicagoland Apartment Association
- Chicago Association of REALTORS®
Aurora
Rockford
Joliet
Naperville
- Tenants and Landlords – City of Naperville
- Housing Advisory Commission – City of Naperville
- Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®
Springfield
Peoria
- Tenant Tips and Responsibilities – City of Peoria
- Landlord Information – City of Peoria
- Fair Housing Commission – City of Peoria
- Peoria Area Association of REALTORS®
Elgin
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