Illinois Landlords: Repair Duties and Tenant Rights Explained

If you’re renting in Illinois and facing maintenance issues, it’s important to know what your landlord is legally responsible for. Illinois law protects tenants’ rights to a safe and livable home—meaning your landlord must make repairs and keep the property habitable. Here’s what you need to know to protect your rights, and how to act if something goes wrong.

What Must Illinois Landlords Repair?

Under the Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act and the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, landlords are legally required to:

• Keep the property in “habitable” condition—safe, clean, and fit to live in
• Comply with state and local building and health codes
• Maintain critical services like heat, water, electricity, and plumbing
• Repair any damage that affects health or safety within a reasonable time
• Address pest control, mold, leaks, and broken appliances where required by the lease

In cities like Chicago, the Chicago Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) adds extra requirements, like timely repairs and advance notice for entry.

What Does “Habitable” Mean?

Illinois law defines a habitable unit as one that is free from dangerous, unsanitary, or life-threatening defects. For example, landlords must provide:

• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Locking entry doors and windows
• Heating (from September 15–June 1 in Chicago)
• Safe electrical wiring and outlets
• Running hot and cold water

If any of these basic needs aren’t met, your landlord may be violating habitability laws.

How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord

If something breaks or becomes unsafe, take these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible—email or a physical letter both work
• Describe the issue clearly, list all damage, and request a repair within a specific timeframe (e.g., 14 days)
• Keep copies and photos for your records

Documentation is key in case you need to take further action.

Official Notice Form: Tenant's 14-Day Notice to Landlord

• Form Name: Tenant’s 14-Day Notice to Landlord for Repairs (no official state-issued form; use sample letters or city-specific forms)
• When & How: Use this form or letter when your landlord hasn't responded to repair requests. You must send written notice giving them 14 days to act before seeking other remedies. Example: Your kitchen sink leaks for two weeks—you notify the landlord in writing and give a 14-day deadline.
• See sample repair request language in Chicago RLTO Summary, page 8

What If My Landlord Refuses or Delays Repairs?

If repairs aren’t made after proper notice, Illinois law gives tenants options:

• Make the repair yourself and deduct the cost from next month’s rent (Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act). Restrictions apply—must be under $500 or half your monthly rent, whichever is less.
• Report the issue to the local building or health department for inspection
• File a complaint with the local housing authority or, in Chicago, the Department of Housing
• In severe cases, you may have the right to break your lease or withhold rent—but always get legal advice before doing so

Relevant Tribunal: Illinois Circuit Court (Civil Division)

• Who handles disputes: If negotiation fails, unresolved landlord-tenant disputes in Illinois are handled by the Illinois Circuit Court (Civil Division) in your county.
• For Chicago renters, complaints can also be made to the Chicago Department of Housing.

Key Illinois Tenancy Laws for Repairs

• Illinois Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act (765 ILCS 742)
• Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710)
• Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705)
• In Chicago: Chicago Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)

Illinois Repair Law FAQs

1. What repairs are landlords required to make in Illinois?
   Landlords must address any issue that affects a unit’s health or safety, including heating, water, plumbing, electrical, and pest-related problems.
2. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t make repairs?
   Withholding rent is risky in Illinois and should only be done with legal advice; instead, consider repair-and-deduct or reporting the problem to authorities.
3. How long does a landlord have to fix something in Illinois?
   Generally, landlords are expected to make repairs within 14 days of written notice, unless the issue is urgent and needs quicker action.
4. Do I need to use a specific form for repair requests?
   No state-wide official form is required, but written notice is essential. Chicago renters can use sample letters from city resources.
5. Who do I contact if repairs are not made?
   You can file a complaint with your local building department, housing authority, or in Chicago, the Department of Housing; unresolved issues may be filed with the Illinois Circuit Court.

Summary: What Illinois Renters Should Know

• Landlords must keep your home safe and livable by law and fix health or safety hazards.
• Always document repair problems and notify your landlord in writing.
• If repairs aren’t made, you have options: repair-and-deduct, complaint to authorities, or court action for major disputes.

These steps protect your rights and help ensure your living space stays healthy and secure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• State of Illinois government portal – access all housing laws
• Illinois Circuit Court – find your county court for legal disputes
• Chicago Department of Housing – tenant resources and complaint forms (for Chicago residents)
• Chicago Public Library – Housing Resources

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1. 765 ILCS 742/ Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act
2. 765 ILCS 710/ Illinois Security Deposit Return Act
3. 765 ILCS 705/ Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act
4. Chicago Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance
5. Illinois Circuit Court (Civil Division)
6. Chicago Department of Housing

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