Illinois Lease Renewal Rights and Deadlines Guide

Staying informed about lease renewals in Illinois is crucial for renters who want to remain in their homes or plan their next move. Knowing your rights and obligations can help prevent unexpected rent increases or unwanted lease terminations. This guide breaks down Illinois lease renewal rules, important deadlines, and renter-friendly tips, referencing authoritative state sources throughout.

Understanding Lease Renewal in Illinois

In Illinois, most rental agreements are either fixed-term leases (such as one year) or month-to-month agreements. When your lease term nears its end, specific rules apply regarding how renewal or termination is handled. Both you and your landlord have certain rights and responsibilities under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act and the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act.¹

Key Renewal Rules and Deadlines

• Notice to Renew or End Lease: Illinois law generally does not require landlords to offer renewals. However, many leases include a provision for renewal, so review your agreement.
• Notice for Non-Renewal: For a one-year or longer lease, landlords must give written notice at least 60 days before lease end if they do not plan to renew (in many municipalities, including under the City of Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance). Otherwise, the lease may convert to month-to-month.²
• Month-to-Month Lease Termination: For month-to-month agreements, either party may terminate with a written 30-day notice before the end of the rental period.³
• Rent Increases at Renewal: In most of Illinois, landlords can raise rent at renewal but must give at least 30 days' written notice for month-to-month tenancies, unless your local ordinance requires more notice.³

Official Lease Renewal and Termination Forms

• 30-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Form): Used when either party wants to end a month-to-month tenancy.
  Example: If you wish to move out, deliver this notice at least 30 days before your intended move.
  Download the official form (Illinois Legal Aid).
• 60-Day Notice of Non-Renewal (Chicago RLTO): If renting in Chicago, landlords must deliver this when not renewing a lease of 6 months or more.
  Example: Your landlord must provide this at least 60 days before the lease end if disrupting automatic renewal.
  See Chicago RLTO forms.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Lease Renewal

• Read your lease agreement carefully for renewal clauses and requirements.
• Communicate early with your landlord if you wish to renew or plan to move.
• Request renewal terms in writing and confirm any new rent or changes before signing.
• Respond to any non-renewal or rent increase notices promptly to avoid unintentional lease termination.

Your Rights If the Lease Isn’t Renewed

If you receive a notice of non-renewal, you are entitled to occupy the property for the remainder of your lease term. For Chicago renters, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) also provides additional tenant protections.

Steps Renters Should Take

• Ask your landlord to confirm your lease status (especially if you haven’t received a notice).
• Document all communications regarding renewal or termination.
• Keep a copy of any notices and forms you send or receive.

Should you feel your rights were violated, you may file a complaint with your local housing authority or seek help from the Illinois Attorney General's Office.

FAQ: Illinois Lease Renewal

1. How much notice must my landlord give if they don’t want to renew my lease?
   For annual leases in many Illinois cities (including Chicago), landlords must provide 60 days’ written notice. For month-to-month tenancies, it’s 30 days.
2. Can my landlord increase my rent when I renew?
   Yes; however, for month-to-month agreements, the landlord must give you written notice at least 30 days before the increase takes effect.
3. What happens if neither I nor my landlord gives notice?
   If neither party provides notice, your tenancy may automatically become month-to-month, subject to the terms of your lease and local ordinances.
4. Can I refuse a new lease with different terms?
   Yes, but you may be required to move out by the end of your current lease term unless otherwise agreed or notified.
5. Where do I go if I think my landlord isn’t following renewal laws?
   You can contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Office for Landlord-Tenant Complaints or your local housing department.

Key Takeaways for Illinois Lease Renewal

• Check your lease contract and start discussions early if you’d like to renew.
• Note important deadlines: 60 days for many annual leases (especially in Chicago), 30 days for month-to-month agreements.
• Always use official notice forms and keep a copy for your records.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Attorney General - Landlord & Tenant Rights
• Illinois Department of Human Rights - Housing
• Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court - Eviction Court
• Chicago Department of Housing - Tenant Resources
• Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act (legislation text)

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1. Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act, 765 ILCS 705/3
2. City of Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, Section 5-12-130(j)
3. Illinois Statutes on Lease Termination: 735 ILCS 5/9-207

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