Illinois Landlord Requirements for Heat and Hot Water

If you’re renting in Illinois and struggling with a lack of heat or hot water, it’s important to know your rights. Illinois laws set clear requirements for landlords to provide these essential services, protecting renters’ safety and comfort. This guide explains the state’s hot water and heat standards, how to get help if something goes wrong, and steps you can take if your landlord isn’t meeting their responsibilities.

Landlord Obligations: Heat and Hot Water in Illinois Rentals

Under Illinois law, landlords must provide safe and habitable homes. This requirement includes maintaining proper heating and hot water systems, especially during colder months when these services are essential for health and comfort.

What Are the Legal Minimums?

• Heat: From September 15 through June 1, landlords must supply enough heat to keep units at least 68°F (20°C) between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., and at least 66°F (18.8°C) at night.
• Hot Water: Hot water must be provided year-round and delivered at a minimum of 120°F (49°C).

These standards are set under the Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act and local health and building codes¹.

Who Enforces Heating and Hot Water Rules?

Enforcement of these requirements falls to your local city or county code enforcement office. For Chicago renters, the Chicago Department of Buildings and the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) outline additional protections.²

What If My Landlord Doesn’t Provide Heat or Hot Water?

If your landlord fails to supply required heat or hot water:

• Document the issue (take temperature readings, photos, and notes)
• Inform your landlord in writing about the problem and request prompt repairs
• If unresolved, you can file a complaint with local code enforcement or your municipal housing department

Official Complaint Forms and How to Use Them

• City of Chicago – Heat or Hot Water Complaint Form: Online 311 Heat Complaint Form
  When to use: If your landlord hasn’t restored heat or hot water after proper notice, file a 311 complaint. For example, Chicago renters experiencing low apartment temperatures can fill out the form to start an official investigation. Submit it online or call 311 for assistance.
• Cook County – Substandard Building Complaint: Cook County Building Code Violation Report
  When to use: Renters outside Chicago can report landlords failing to maintain heat or hot water. Complete the form online and include details of the problem and address.

Tip:

Applicable Law: Illinois Landlord-Tenant Statutes

The primary law governing these responsibilities is the Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act (765 ILCS 742) and the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act.^1,3 Local building codes may also set specific standards.

If your landlord doesn’t resolve issues after being informed, local housing or code enforcement agencies can investigate and may require landlords to make urgent repairs.

What Is the Official Tribunal or Board for Renters' Issues?

Illinois does not have a statewide residential tenancy board. Issues are typically handled by:

• Your city’s Housing/Code Enforcement Department
• Cook County Housing Court for Chicago and suburbs

For legal disputes, renters may file claims in the local county court system.

Summary: What to Do if You Have No Heat or Hot Water

• Notify your landlord immediately in writing
• Collect and keep records of all communications and problems
• Use official complaint forms if the issue is not fixed promptly
• You may have additional rights in cities like Chicago—check local ordinances

If basic services like heat or hot water aren’t provided, you have a legal right to a habitable home. Don’t hesitate to seek help or report unsafe conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What temperature does my landlord have to maintain during winter?
   Landlords in Illinois must keep your apartment at least 68°F during the day (6:30am–10:30pm) and 66°F at night between September 15 and June 1.
2. Can my landlord turn off hot water for repairs?
   Short-term interruptions for necessary repairs are allowed, but your landlord must make reasonable efforts to restore service quickly and notify you in advance if possible.
3. How do I file a complaint if I have no heat in Illinois?
   Notify your landlord first. If the issue continues, file a complaint with your city’s code enforcement or, if you’re in Chicago, use the 311 online heat complaint form.
4. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn't fix the heat or hot water?
   Illinois law may allow "repair and deduct" or withholding options in some cases, but it’s best to seek legal advice or consult your housing agency before stopping rent payments.
5. Who do I contact outside Chicago if my landlord won’t fix the heat?
   Contact your county or city’s code enforcement or building department to report the violation and request an inspection.

Key Takeaways for Illinois Renters

• Landlords must supply heat (at legal minimums) from mid-September through early June and provide hot water all year round.
• If your landlord is not meeting these obligations, report the problem using official forms and keep records.
• Seek help from your local code enforcement or housing department if repairs are not made.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Chicago Department of Buildings – Enforces building code and heat requirements in Chicago
• 311 Chicago Heat Complaint Form
• Cook County Building Code Violation Report
• Illinois Legal Aid – Rental Repairs
• Cook County Housing Court

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1. Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act
2. Chicago Department of Buildings – Heating Rules
3. Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act

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