Challenging Illegal Rental Fees in Illinois

If you're a renter in Illinois and notice fees on your rent bill that seem unfair or unexpected, you have rights under state law. Illegal fees—sometimes labeled as "processing," "administrative," or other vague charges—can add up quickly and strain your budget. It's important to know what fees are legal, how to spot illegal ones, and what steps you can take to challenge improper charges.

Understanding Legal vs. Illegal Fees in Illinois Rentals

Most rental charges—like your base rent or a reasonable security deposit—are legal when clearly stated in your lease and allowed by Illinois law. Some other fees, however, may be restricted or outright illegal:

• Application fees: Allowed, but should be reasonable and often non-refundable in Illinois.
• Security deposit deductions: Only for damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent.
• Late fees: Permitted, but must be reasonable and clearly listed in the lease.
• Other fees: Any fee not mentioned in your lease or not authorized by law may be illegal.

Generally, your landlord cannot add random or excessive fees that aren't justified by your lease agreement or Illinois rental law.^[1] For Chicago residents, there are additional local protections under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance.

How to Spot and Document Suspicious Rental Fees

Before taking action, gather proof that a fee is illegal or improperly charged:

• Compare your rent bill or invoice against your signed lease.
• Check all fee names—look for anything not referenced in your contract.
• Review Illinois state law or your local municipal code for fee limits or restrictions.
• Keep copies of payment records, correspondence, and your lease agreement.

Steps to Challenge an Illegal Fee on Your Rent Bill

Here is a summary of what to do if you're facing illegal fees on your rent bill in Illinois:

• Review your lease and local ordinances for allowable charges.
• Document the disputed fee with copies and photographs if needed.
• Send a written notice to your landlord objecting to the fee and requesting its removal.
• If the landlord refuses to remove the illegal fee, you can escalate the issue to the relevant state or local agency.

Key Forms and Where to Get Them

• Notice of Objection to Fee (Sample Letter): While there is no standardized statewide form, Illinois Legal Aid provides a template letter for disputing a fee. Use it to clearly state the fee, why you believe it's illegal, and request prompt correction.
  See: Sample Letter for Disputing a Fee (Illinois Legal Aid)
• Complaint Form - Office of the Illinois Attorney General: If your landlord refuses to refund illegal fees, you may file a complaint. The form can be used by renters statewide.
  Consumer Complaint Form (Attorney General Illinois)
  Example: Fill this out if your landlord repeatedly charges unlawful "processing fees" not listed in your lease, and keeps them after your written dispute.

It may also help to consult the Illinois Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant page for specific steps and your rights as a renter.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Illinois?

For state-wide cases, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and the Illinois Attorney General's Office oversee landlord-tenant disputes. In Chicago, the Department of Housing also enforces local tenant protections.^[2]

Relevant legislation: Illinois Security Deposit Return Act and Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act.

What Illinois Law Says About Rent Fees

According to the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act, charges must be reasonable, disclosed in the lease, and non-discriminatory.^[3]

If you believe any charge violates your lease or state law, you may have legal standing to dispute it and seek remedies such as a refund or compensation.

FAQ: Challenging Rental Fees for Illinois Renters

1. Can my landlord charge any fee they want?
   No, only fees clearly described in your lease and permitted by Illinois law are allowed. Hidden or excessive fees may be illegal.
2. How do I officially dispute a rental fee?
   Write to your landlord with copies of your bill and lease, stating your objection. If unresolved, file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General's Office.
3. What if I already paid an illegal fee?
   You can still request a refund. Document your payments and ask for reimbursement. If denied, submit a formal complaint.
4. Are late fees always legal?
   Only if they are clearly stated in your lease and reasonable in amount. Excessive or surprise late fees may be challengeable.
5. Where can I learn more or get help with my situation?
   See the Resources for Renters section below for key contact points.

Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Take Action

• Review your lease and Illinois law to identify potentially illegal fees.
• Always communicate in writing and keep thorough records.
• If needed, seek help from official state resources and advocacy organizations.

Challenging illegal fees can take time, but knowing your rights gives you power to protect your finances and rental stability.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Attorney General - Tenants' Rights
• Landlord-Tenant Resources (Attorney General’s Office)
• Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)
• Chicago Department of Housing – Renter Help
• Illinois Legal Aid Online

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1. Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705)
2. Illinois Attorney General – Tenants’ Rights
3. Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710)

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