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
- There is no statewide limit on rent increases.
- A landlord may not end a tenancy, raise rent, cut services or refuse to renew because a tenant complained about code violations, asked for repairs or joined a tenant union, and protected activity within one year before the landlord's action creates a presumption of retaliation.
- 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 has no statute that sets a separate notice period for rent increases. During a lease the lease controls, and a month-to-month increase in practice needs at least the 30 day notice used to end that tenancy.
Illinois rent increase notice at a glance
| Rule | Illinois | Law |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide limit on rent increases. | Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825) |
| Retaliation protection | A landlord may not end a tenancy, raise rent, cut services or refuse to renew because a tenant complained about code violations, asked for repairs or joined a tenant union, and protected activity within one year before the landlord's action creates a presumption of retaliation. | Landlord Retaliation Act (765 ILCS 721) |
How much notice to give
Give the notice in writing, keep a copy and record how and when it was delivered.
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))
Fixed-term leases
During a fixed-term lease, rent usually stays as written until the term ends unless the lease itself allows an increase. Plan increases for the renewal.
Caps that limit the increase
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide limit on rent increases. (Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825))
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))
Timing and retaliation
Retaliation protection. A landlord may not end a tenancy, raise rent, cut services or refuse to renew because a tenant complained about code violations, asked for repairs or joined a tenant union, and protected activity within one year before the landlord's action creates a presumption of retaliation. (Landlord Retaliation Act (765 ILCS 721))
Mistakes to avoid
- Raising rent during a fixed term without a clause that allows it.
- Sending the notice by text or email when the lease or the law calls for written delivery another way.
- Increasing rent right after a repair request or complaint.
- Not keeping proof of when the notice was delivered.
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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
- Eviction Act (month-to-month notice)
- Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825)
- Landlord Retaliation Act (765 ILCS 721)
- Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825/5)
Official sources
Illinois forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
- Notice of Rent Increase · PDF or Word
- Rent Increase Letter · PDF or Word
- Lease Renewal Letter · PDF or Word
Where landlords trip up.
How much notice is needed to raise rent in Illinois?
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. Source: Eviction Act (month-to-month notice).
Is there a cap on rent increases in Illinois?
There is no statewide limit on rent increases. Source: Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825).
Can a rent increase count as retaliation in Illinois?
A landlord may not end a tenancy, raise rent, cut services or refuse to renew because a tenant complained about code violations, asked for repairs or joined a tenant union, and protected activity within one year before the landlord's action creates a presumption of retaliation. Source: Landlord Retaliation Act (765 ILCS 721).