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IL · State profile
Illinois landlord rules
1 of 10 values below carries a source-confirmed statute citation. The rest are conservative reference values from Aptoria's compliance data and are labeled unverified.
Chicago RLTO is stricter than state law (interest on deposits, 14-day deposit return).
Deposits, fees, and notices
Security deposit limit
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Deposit return deadline
Source-confirmed 2026-07
Split deadlines: if the landlord withholds for damage, an itemized statement (with paid receipts or, if not yet available, estimates) must be delivered within 30 days of the tenant vacating; the remaining deposit balance is due within 45 days. Bad-faith failure exposes the landlord to twice the deposit plus court costs and attorney’s fees.
765 ILCS 710/1. Illinois General Assembly (official) ↗
The Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) applies to landlords of 5 or more units; smaller properties follow common-law/lease terms, and Chicago (RLTO) imposes stricter rules. Scope-check before citing to a specific tenancy.
Reference value on file: 45 days after move-out
Late fees
Unverified reference value
Capped at $20; 5 days grace
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Rent-increase notice
Unverified reference value
30 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Month-to-month termination notice
Unverified reference value
30 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Pay-or-quit notice
Unverified reference value
5 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Non-emergency entry notice
Unverified reference value
Reasonable notice
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Application fee limit
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Statewide rent regulation
Unverified reference value
No statewide rent regulation (check local ordinances)
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Separate pet deposit
Unverified reference value
Permitted
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Payments, fair housing, and licensing
Card surcharges on rent
Allowed within card-network limits
Returned-payment (NSF) fee
No statewide statutory cap on file
Source-of-income protection
Protected statewide
Local ordinances can extend protection beyond the statewide rule.
Property-management licensing
License generally required to manage for others
State real estate broker license required for property management for others — confirm with state commission.
Illinois next to its neighbors
Own units on both sides of a state line? These are the same reference values for every bordering jurisdiction. Open a state to see its citations.
| Rule | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kentucky | Missouri | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | No statewide cap | No statewide cap | 2× monthly rent | No statewide cap | 2× monthly rent | No statewide cap |
| Deposit return deadline | 45 days after move-out | 45 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out | 60 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out | 21 days after move-out |
| Late fees | Capped at $20; 5 days grace | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | Capped at $60 | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) |
| Rent-increase notice | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 28 days |
| Non-emergency entry notice | Reasonable notice | Reasonable notice | 24 hours | 48 hours | Reasonable notice | 12 hours |
| Pay-or-quit notice | 5 days | 10 days | 3 days | 7 days | No statewide minimum | 5 days |
| Source-of-income protection | Protected statewide | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file |
| Card surcharges on rent | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits |
Lease disclosures on file
• Lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978 housing) — EPA Pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
• Radon (post-2013 construction)
• Chicago: Bedbug, Heat ordinance, RLTO summary
Run the numbers
Security deposit calculator
Late fee calculator
Rent increase calculator
Move-in / move-out inspection checklist
Educational information only, not legal advice. Laws, local ordinances, court interpretations, and the facts of a tenancy can change the result. Verify the current binding text and obtain advice from a qualified local professional before acting.