Landlord tools · Illinois

Illinois residential lease agreement.

Everything a Illinois lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.

No capSecurity deposit cap

45 daysDeposit return deadline

ReasonableEntry notice required

30 daysTo end month-to-month

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Security deposits in Illinois

Illinois doesn't cap security deposits by statute — most landlords charge one to two months' rent. No statutory limit (local caps: Chicago RLTO) After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 45 days. 5+ unit buildings: itemized statement within 30 days, refund within 45; interest owed by 25+ unit landlords Returning one now? Use the free Illinois deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.

Late fees and grace periods

Illinois sets no statutory dollar cap on late fees, but courts require them to be reasonable and they must appear in the written lease. No grace period is required by statute, though many leases include one. No state cap; must be reasonable and in lease. Chicago caps at $10 + 5% of rent over $500.

Landlord entry and notices

Illinois has no fixed entry-notice statute — reasonable notice is the standard, and the lease should spell it out. No statewide statute; reasonable notice customary (Chicago requires 48 hours). Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 30 days' written notice (30 days written notice before end of rental period). No statewide requirement; Chicago/Cook County require 60-120 days depending on tenancy length. Planning an increase? The free Illinois rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.

Required disclosures in a Illinois lease

Lead-based paint (federal). EPA/HUD pamphlet and disclosure required (Required when: pre-1978 housing.)
Radon hazard disclosure. IEMA pamphlet, disclosure form, and known radon records; tenant may test and terminate within 90 days (Required when: units below 3rd story.)
Flood disclosure. Disclose FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area; lower-level units also disclose 10-year flood history (Always required.)
Utility payment disclosure. Disclose billing formula when tenant pays utilities serving common or other areas (Required when: shared/master-metered utilities.)
Rent concession disclosure. Lease must conspicuously note any rent concession (Required when: if concession granted.)
IDHR tenant rights summary. Written summary of rights (incl. domestic violence protections) to new and renewing tenants (Always required.)

Clauses you can’t put in a Illinois lease

Retaliation against tenants (Landlord Retaliation Act)
Asking about or disclosing immigration status
Self-help evictions and lockouts
Waiving Security Deposit Return Act rights

Utilities and pets

Utilities: Tenant may only be billed for shared/master-metered utilities with written formula disclosure; shutoffs to force move-out prohibited. Pets: No statewide pet deposit/rent rules; no fees for assistance animals.

Frequently asked questions

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

Illinois has no statutory limit on security deposits — one to two months' rent is customary. No statutory limit (local caps: Chicago RLTO)

How long does a Illinois landlord have to return the deposit?

45 days after the tenancy ends. 5+ unit buildings: itemized statement within 30 days, refund within 45; interest owed by 25+ unit landlords

Are late fees limited in Illinois?

There's no statutory dollar cap, but fees must be reasonable and stated in the lease. No state cap; must be reasonable and in lease. Chicago caps at $10 + 5% of rent over $500

How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Illinois?

Illinois has no fixed statutory period — reasonable notice applies. No statewide statute; reasonable notice customary (Chicago requires 48 hours)

Does Illinois have rent control?

No statewide rent control. Statewide ban on local rent control (Rent Control Preemption Act)

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Key statutes: 765 ILCS 710 · 765 ILCS 715 · 735 ILCS 5/9-207 · 420 ILCS 46 · 765 ILCS 705/25. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.