How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Illinois?

Illinois sets no statewide cap on the security deposit amount; local ordinances such as Chicago's may impose one. The deposit must be accounted for within 45 days after the tenancy ends (765 ILCS 710/1).

Is there a limit on late fees in Illinois?

Illinois sets no statewide late-fee cap; local ordinances may. The fee must be stated in the lease.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Illinois?

Illinois has no statewide entry-notice statute, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement. That agreed period is 24 hours.

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Illinois?

Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (735 ILCS 5/9-207)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Illinois?

Tenant has 5 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (735 ILCS 5/9-209) The case is filed as an eviction action in Circuit Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Illinois?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. A written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Illinois with the statutory citations printed in it.

Illinois Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Illinois has to respect Illinois landlord-tenant law: no statutory ceiling on the security deposit, accounted for within 45 days of move-out, and no statutory ceiling on late fees. Below is every number that governs a Illinois tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Illinois rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Illinois lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Illinois landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Illinois	Citation
Security deposit limit	No statutory limitIllinois sets no statewide cap on the security deposit amount; local ordinances such as Chicago's may impose one.	No statute on point
Deposit return deadline	45 daysLandlord must furnish an itemized statement of damages within 30 days and return the balance within 45 days.	765 ILCS 710/1
Interest on deposits	Not requiredInterest is required only for larger buildings under the Security Deposit Interest Act and certain local ordinances.	765 ILCS 715/1
Late fee limit	No statutory limitIllinois sets no statewide late-fee cap; local ordinances may. The fee must be stated in the lease.	No statute on point
Grace period before rent is late	No statutory grace periodIllinois sets no statewide statutory grace period for rent.	No statute on point
Notice to pay or quit	5 daysTenant has 5 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession.	735 ILCS 5/9-209
Time to cure a lease violation	10 daysTenant generally receives a 10-day notice for a lease violation.	735 ILCS 5/9-210
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeEither party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.	735 ILCS 5/9-207
Notice before landlord entry	No statute — Landy's lease sets 24 hours by agreementIllinois has no statewide entry-notice statute, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement.	No statute on point

Disclosures a Illinois lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978
Radon Hazard Disclosure
Landlord discloses any knowledge of radon hazards in the dwelling and has provided the Illinois Emergency Management Agency radon pamphlet where required.
420 ILCS 46/25
Smoke Detector Disclosure
Landlord confirms the dwelling is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as required by Illinois law.
425 ILCS 60/3

If things go wrong in Illinois

Where eviction is filed

Circuit Court, as an eviction action.

Governing law

Cited from the Illinois Compiled Statutes.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Illinois lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Illinois?: Illinois sets no statewide cap on the security deposit amount; local ordinances such as Chicago's may impose one. The deposit must be accounted for within 45 days after the tenancy ends (765 ILCS 710/1).
Is there a limit on late fees in Illinois?: Illinois sets no statewide late-fee cap; local ordinances may. The fee must be stated in the lease.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Illinois?: Illinois has no statewide entry-notice statute, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement. That agreed period is 24 hours.
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Illinois?: Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (735 ILCS 5/9-207)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Illinois?: Tenant has 5 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (735 ILCS 5/9-209) The case is filed as an eviction action in Circuit Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Illinois?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. A written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Illinois with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Illinois lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Illinois lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Illinois law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Illinois attorney review your lease before you rely on it.