Illinois Rental Laws

Illinois Rental Laws

Your Guide to Illinois Rental Laws with helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.

Official Website of the State of Illinois

The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Illinois was 12,880,580 on July 1, 2014, a 0.39% increase since the 2010 United States Census.

The State of Illinois has 102 counties.

State Rules and Regulations

Important Lease Terms

Security Deposits

  • Amount: No Restrictions
  • Return Deadline:  For properties with five or more units, 30 to 45 days, depending on whether tenant disputes deductions or if statement and receipts are furnished

Fees and Notice

  • Applications Fees: No Restrictions
  • Termination Notice:  10 Days
  • Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Can withhold or repair and deduct which must not exceed one-half of the rent or $500

Landlord Disclosures

Real Estate Links

Federal Government

  • Fair Credit Reporting Act:  Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
  • Fair Housing Act:  The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children

Credit Reports

Tenant Screening

  • Counties covered:  Adams,   Alexander,   Bond,   Boone,   Brown,   Bureau,   Calhoun,   Carroll,   Cass,   Champaign,   Christian,   Clark,   Clay,   Clinton,   Coles,   Cook,   Crawford,   Cumberland,   DeKalb,   De Witt,   Douglas,   DuPage,   Edgar,   Edwards,   Effingham,   Fayette,   Ford,   Franklin,   Fulton,   Gallatin,   Greene,   Grundy,   Hamilton,   Hancock,   Hardin,   Henderson,   Henry,   Iroquois,   Jackson,   Jasper,   Jefferson,   Jersey,   Jo Daviess,   Johnson,   Kane,   Kankakee,   Kendall,   Knox,   La Salle,   Lake,   Lawrence,   Lee,   Livingston,   Logan,   McDonough,   McHenry,   McLean,   Macon,   Macoupin,   Madison,   Marion,   Marshall,   Mason,   Massac,   Menard,   Mercer,   Monroe,   Montgomery,   Morgan,   Moultrie,   Ogle,   Peoria,   Perry,   Piatt,   Pike,   Pope,   Pulaski,   Putnam,   Randolph,   Richland,   Rock Island,   Saline,   Sangamon,   Schuyler,   Scott,   Shelby,   St. Clair,   Stark,   Stephenson,   Tazewell,   Union,   Vermilion,   Wabash,   Warren,   Washington,   Wayne,   White,   Whiteside,   Will,   Williamson,   Winnebago,   Woodford
  • Options for Tenant Screening Packages and Prices
  • Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Last Updated: April 8. 2020