Illinois Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Illinois
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Illinois tenant protections vary greatly by city. Chicago has strong tenant protections via RLTO. Statewide: no deposit cap, repair-and-deduct allowed, retaliation prohibited.
Security Deposit Max
No cap
Deposit Return
30 days
Entry Notice Required
Not required
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Allowed
Detailed Protections
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Security Deposit Limit
No statewide cap (Chicago: no cap, strict rules)
Limited Protection
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Deposit Return Period
30 days (Chicago: 30 days with itemization)
Protection Exists
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Entry Notice Required
2 days in Chicago (RLTO § 5-12-050)
Protection Exists
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Rent Control
Banned by Rent Control Preemption Act (1997)
No Protection
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Repair & Deduct
Up to ½ month's rent (Chicago: stronger)
Protection Exists
⚠️
Just Cause Eviction
Not statewide (Chicago has some protections)
Limited Protection
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
🔍 Illinois tenant rights🔍 Chicago RLTO🔍 Illinois eviction laws