Check if your apartment is protected under Chicago's Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) and the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance. Most residential rental units in Chicago are covered by the RLTO, which provides security deposit protections, notice requirements, and remedies for landlord violations.
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The Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) is one of the strongest tenant protection laws in the United States. It covers most residential rental units in Chicago and provides comprehensive protections including strict security deposit rules, notice requirements for rent increases and lease termination, and remedies when landlords violate the ordinance.
Under the RLTO, landlords must hold security deposits in federally insured interest-bearing accounts, provide receipts with bank details, and return the deposit with interest within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions. Violations of these rules can entitle tenants to double the deposit amount plus attorney fees.
In 2023, Chicago passed the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance, which requires landlords to have a valid reason to evict tenants or refuse to renew leases. Note that Illinois state law preempts traditional rent control — Chicago cannot set limits on rent amounts. However, the RLTO and Just Cause ordinance together provide significant protections for renters.
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The Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) is one of the strongest tenant protection laws in the United States. It covers most residential rental units in Chicago and provides comprehensive protections including strict security deposit rules, notice requirements for rent increases and lease termination, and remedies when landlords violate the ordinance.
Under the RLTO, landlords must hold security deposits in federally insured interest-bearing accounts, provide receipts with bank details, and return the deposit with interest within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions. Violations of these rules can entitle tenants to double the deposit amount plus attorney fees.
Search your building's address above to instantly check rent ordinance status based on public records. In 2023, Chicago passed the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance, which requires landlords to have a valid reason to evict tenants or refuse to renew leases. Note that Illinois state law preempts traditional rent control — Chicago cannot set limits on rent amounts. However, the RLTO and Just Cause ordinance together provide significant protections for renters.
Chicago does not have a citywide rent control law. Unlike NYC or LA, landlords in Chicago can raise rent by any amount as long as proper notice is given (typically 30 days for month-to-month, or according to lease terms).
Tenants in rent stabilized apartments who are overcharged can file a rent overcharge complaint with the DHCR. If a rent overcharge is found, the landlord must reimburse the overcharged amount, plus interest, and may face penalties.