Free Illinois Lease Agreement
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Illinois Lease Agreement Requirements (2026)
Every Illinois residential lease must comply with state landlord-tenant law. Here are the key rules your lease must follow:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | No statewide limit (Chicago RLTO limits to 1.5 months’ rent) |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 30 days (statewide); 45 days if deductions (Chicago RLTO) |
| Late Fee Cap | No statewide cap (Chicago RLTO limits to $10/month for first $500 rent, 5% for remainder) |
| Grace Period | 5 days (Chicago RLTO) |
| Landlord Entry Notice | 24 hours notice (Chicago RLTO; no statewide statute) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days (month-to-month tenancies) |
Key Illinois Landlord-Tenant Laws
- Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705 et seq.) — Statewide law governing landlord-tenant relationships, including security deposits with interest requirements.
- Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) — Requires itemized statements for deductions and return within 30 days.
- Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) (Chicago Mun. Code §5-12) — Extensive local ordinance with additional tenant protections for Chicago properties, including deposit limits, late fee caps, and mandatory disclosures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois have rent control?
No. Illinois has a statewide Rent Control Preemption Act that prohibits local governments from enacting rent control. However, Chicago has proposed amendments to allow local rent stabilization measures.
Do landlords in Illinois have to pay interest on security deposits?
Yes. Illinois requires landlords holding deposits for 6+ months to pay interest annually. The rate is set by the state. In Chicago, the RLTO has additional requirements including specific interest rates and penalties for noncompliance.
What notice is required to evict for nonpayment in Illinois?
Landlords must give a 5-day written notice demanding payment. If the tenant does not pay within 5 days, the landlord may file for eviction. In Chicago, additional RLTO requirements may apply.
Learn more: Illinois Landlord-Tenant Laws
