General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- Local governments may not enact or enforce any ordinance that controls the amount of rent for private residential or commercial property.
- There is no statewide limit on rent increases.
- Generally, Illinois has no separate rent increase notice statute, so rent stays fixed during a lease unless the lease allows a change, and a month-to-month increase in practice needs at least 30 days of notice.
Illinois bars local governments from controlling rent through the Rent Control Preemption Act. Chicago and Cook County regulate many other parts of the tenancy, but not how much rent can be charged.
Illinois rent control at a glance
| Rule | Illinois | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rent control status | Local governments may not enact or enforce any ordinance that controls the amount of rent for private residential or commercial property. | Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825/5) |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide limit on rent increases. | Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825) |
| Notice before a rent increase | Generally, Illinois has no separate rent increase notice statute, so rent stays fixed during a lease unless the lease allows a change, and a month-to-month increase in practice needs at least 30 days of notice. | Eviction Act (month-to-month notice) |
Does Illinois have rent control?
Rent control status. Local governments may not enact or enforce any ordinance that controls the amount of rent for private residential or commercial property. (Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825/5))
Limits on increases
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide limit on rent increases. (Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825))
City and county rules
Local ordinances. Some places, including Chicago and Cook County, have their own landlord and tenant ordinances covering deposits, entry, repairs and lockouts, though not rent amounts. (Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance and Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (local))
Notice before an increase
Notice before a rent increase. Generally, Illinois has no separate rent increase notice statute, so rent stays fixed during a lease unless the lease allows a change, and a month-to-month increase in practice needs at least 30 days of notice. (Eviction Act (month-to-month notice))
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a unit is exempt without checking the exemption rules and any notice the exemption requires.
- Following state rules and missing a stricter city ordinance.
- Raising rent in the middle of a fixed term when the lease does not allow it.
- Giving less notice than the increase requires.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Illinois rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Illinois attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825/5)
- Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825)
- Eviction Act (month-to-month notice)
- Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance and Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (local)
Official sources
Illinois forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Asked by landlords in this state.
Does Illinois have rent control?
Local governments may not enact or enforce any ordinance that controls the amount of rent for private residential or commercial property. Source: Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825/5).
How much can rent go up in a year in Illinois?
There is no statewide limit on rent increases. Source: Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825).
Do cities in Illinois have their own rent rules?
Some places, including Chicago and Cook County, have their own landlord and tenant ordinances covering deposits, entry, repairs and lockouts, though not rent amounts. Source: Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance and Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (local).