Illinois Rent Increase Laws 2024: What Tenants Should Know
Current Rent Control Laws in Illinois
As of 2024, Illinois does not have any statewide rent control laws.
This means there is no cap on how much landlords can increase rent across the state. Landlords have the flexibility to raise rents to market rates when leases expire or for month-to-month tenants.
Key Points for Tenants
Lease Agreements
- For fixed-term leases (e.g., 6 months, 1 year), rent cannot be increased during the lease term unless specifically allowed in the lease agreement.
- For month-to-month leases, rent can only be increased once per year.
Notice Requirements
- Landlords must provide proper notice before implementing a rent increas.
- For month-to-month leases, a 30-day notice is typically required.
- In Chicago, the Fair Notice Ordinance requires:
- 60 days’ notice for tenants who have lived in the unit for 6 months to 3 years
- 120 days’ notice for tenants who have lived in the unit for over 3 years
Tenant Protections
- Rent increases cannot be used as a form of retaliation or discrimination against tenants.
- Landlords cannot raise rent in violation of federal fair housing laws, which protect against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
Proposed Legislation
While there are currently no statewide rent control laws, there is ongoing legislative activity that could change this:
- The Tenant Protection Act (House Bill 3874) has been introduced, proposing:
- Limiting rent increases to no more than 5% annually
- Requiring 180 days notice for rent increases over 5%
- Preventing landlords from increasing rent more than once per year
- Prohibiting rent increases during the first year of a lease
City-Specific Regulations
Some cities in Illinois may have additional regulations:
- Chicago has implemented the Fair Notice Ordinance, which requires longer notice periods for rent increases based on tenancy duration.
- Other cities may have local ordinances that affect rent increases, so tenants should check with their local government for specific rules.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
- Tenants have the right to a habitable living space and can withhold rent if the landlord fails to maintain safe living conditions.
- New laws passed in 2024 provide additional protections, including:
- Limitations on rental fees and application screening fees
- Protections against retaliatory evictions
- Rights for survivors of domestic and sexual violence
While Illinois currently lacks statewide rent control, tenants should stay informed about their rights, proposed legislation, and local ordinances that may affect rent increases. It’s crucial to carefully review lease agreements and communicate with landlords about any rent changes.
Source
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-illinois
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-illinois
- https://www.oflaherty-law.com/learn-about-law/illinois-landlord-tenant-law-changes
- https://www.singlekey.com/en-us/near-me/illinois/understanding-illinois-rent-increase-guidelines-for-landlords/