Does Illinois have rent control laws?

No, Illinois prohibits all forms of rent control statewide.

How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?

Illinois law requires landlords to give at least 30 days' written notice for rent increases on month-to-month leases.

Can a landlord raise rent by any amount in Illinois?

Yes, as long as they give proper notice and do not violate discrimination or retaliation laws.

Who handles complaints about illegal rent increases in Illinois?

Complaints can be filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights or your local county court.

Are there any exceptions to the statewide ban on rent control in Illinois?

No, even cities such as Chicago cannot enact rent control ordinances.

Illinois Rent Control Laws: 2025 Update for Renters

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Illinois published June 21, 2025

Understanding whether Illinois has rent control is crucial for renters who may be concerned about rent increases or looking to understand their rights in 2025. While rent control aims to limit how much landlords can increase rent, every state has different laws. This article explains current Illinois rent regulations, protections for renters, and where to turn for support.

What Is Rent Control—and Does Illinois Have It in 2025?

Rent control refers to laws that restrict how much landlords can increase rent, usually in certain cities or buildings. As of 2025, Illinois does not have any statewide or local rent control laws. In fact, Illinois has a statewide ban on local governments enacting rent control policies through the Rent Control Preemption Act.

The Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825) prohibits cities, towns, or counties from regulating the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property. This means that landlords are generally free to set and change rent prices as they choose, as long as they provide proper notice under the law.^[1]

Are There Any Exceptions or Special Rent Increase Rules?

While there is no rent control, landlords must still follow specific rules regarding rent increases, including:

Proper Notice: For month-to-month leases, landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before increasing rent.^[2]
Lease Agreements: If you have a fixed-term lease (such as one year), your rent cannot be increased during the lease period unless your agreement specifically allows it.

There are no legal limits on how much rent can be raised in Illinois. However, rent increases cannot be discriminatory, retaliatory, or violate other anti-discrimination or fair housing laws.

How to Respond to a Rent Increase Notice

If your landlord gives written notice of a rent increase, consider these steps:

Check your current lease to see when and how rent can be raised.
Confirm you received at least 30 days' written notice for month-to-month leases.
If you think the increase is retaliatory or discriminatory, you may have legal grounds to challenge it.
Communicate with your landlord to negotiate the increase if needed.
Know your options to accept the increase, try to negotiate, or move when your lease ends.

Relevant Official Forms for Illinois Renters

Notice of Non-Renewal of Lease (no official form number): Used by renters who choose to move out at the end of the lease instead of accepting a rent increase. You should provide written notice to your landlord (often 30 days in advance for month-to-month leases). See sample notice instructions on the City of Chicago Rents Rights Resources (note: Chicago Renters' Rights page includes sample forms).
Complaint for violation of tenant rights: There is no universal state-level form, but renters in Chicago may use the Chicago Department of Housing's Renters Rights Complaint portal if you suspect discrimination or illegal retaliation. For all Illinois renters, complaints about discrimination can be filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights.

Always use written communications when notifying landlords or submitting complaints to ensure you have a clear record.

Which Agency Handles Rental Housing Issues?

For most Illinois renters, concerns involving rent increases and landlord-tenant disputes are addressed through your local county court. In Chicago, the Chicago Department of Housing provides enforcement for city tenant protections. At the state level, the Illinois Department of Human Rights accepts housing discrimination complaints.

Relevant Illinois Tenancy Law

Illinois residential tenancy matters are covered by the Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act and, in some cities like Chicago, by local ordinances such as the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance.^[1][3]

FAQs for Illinois Renters

Does Illinois have rent control laws? Illinois state law bans rent control across the entire state. No local governments—including Chicago—may enact rent control or rent stabilization ordinances.
How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase? For month-to-month leases, Illinois law requires at least 30 days' written notice. Fixed-term leases may differ, so always check your agreement.
What if I believe a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory? File a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights if you believe the increase is based on race, family status, disability, or another protected class.
Can my landlord raise the rent as much as they want? Yes, Illinois law does not cap rent increases, but your landlord must give proper notice and follow anti-discrimination laws.
Are there any city-specific rules in Chicago? While Chicago has additional tenant protections, it is still not permitted to limit rental rate increases through rent control.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Illinois Renters

Illinois bans rent control through the Rent Control Preemption Act. There are no statewide or local rent increase limits.
Landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice for rent increases on month-to-month leases.
Tenants are protected by state anti-discrimination and fair housing laws. If you believe your rights are violated, you can file an official complaint.

In summary, while Illinois does not have rent control, you still have rights and options when facing a rent increase. Always check your lease, communicate in writing, and know there's support available if you suspect unlawful practices.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Illinois Department of Human Rights – File housing discrimination complaints or get information about protected classes.
Chicago Department of Housing – City-level tenant rights and complaint resources for Chicago renters.
Illinois Legal Aid – Guidance on raising rent, responses, and general tenant support (not a tribunal but a helpful official resource).
Your county court clerk’s office – Handles landlord-tenant disputes and eviction filings statewide.

Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825)
Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9-207) – Advance notice of rent changes
Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)