Understanding Rent Gouging Protections in Illinois

If you're a renter in Illinois, you may be concerned about sudden or extreme rent increases. Understanding whether your landlord's rent hike qualifies as rent gouging can help you know your rights and protect your housing stability.

How Illinois Law Defines and Handles Rent Gouging

Illinois currently does not have statewide rent control laws that set limits on how much a landlord can raise your rent, except during certain declared emergencies. Generally, landlords can increase rent as they see fit at the end of a lease term, unless you live in a city with local rent ordinances. However, cities and counties in Illinois cannot enact local rent control unless state law changes (Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act).¹

What Is Considered Rent Gouging?

Rent gouging usually refers to large or unfair rent increases during emergencies, such as natural disasters. In Illinois, price gouging restrictions—including for rent—may be enacted by state executive order during a declared disaster.² For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of some disasters, the Illinois Attorney General's office enforced limits on excessive rent increases under emergency orders. Outside these situations, there is no specific legal cap on rental increases.

Your Rights Regarding Rent Increases in Illinois

• Landlords must provide proper written notice before raising rent. For most leases, that's 30 days' notice for month-to-month tenants.³
• There are no set maximum percentage increases under Illinois state law.
• If a rent increase is retaliatory (for example, after you make a maintenance complaint), it may be illegal under the Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act and the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.
• Some cities (like Chicago and Evanston) require longer notice or extra tenant protections—always check your local ordinances or talk to a housing counselor.

How to Respond If You Suspect Rent Gouging

If your landlord raises your rent substantially and you believe it's rent gouging due to a disaster, or as retaliation, take these steps:

• Review your lease and any recent communications with your landlord.
• Check if there are any active state or local emergency declarations affecting rent increases.
• File a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General's Office if you suspect price gouging. They investigate rental price complaints during disasters.

Official Complaint Form

• Form Name: Illinois Attorney General Consumer Complaint Form
• How It's Used: Use this form if you believe your landlord has unfairly increased your rent during a disaster or state emergency. For example, if you received a major rent hike following a declared flood emergency, you would detail your case and submit the form.
• Illinois Attorney General Consumer Complaint Form

For disputes that are not about emergencies or disaster price gouging, you may need to seek help from a local housing authority or consider mediation.

What Is the Tribunal or Board for Illinois Residential Tenancy Issues?

Illinois does not have a statewide housing tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes, but legal issues may be handled by your local county court. In Chicago, the Chicago Department of Housing helps enforce local tenant protections. For statewide complaints about unlawful rent increases (during emergencies), contact the Illinois Attorney General's Office.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation

• Illinois Security Deposit Return Act
• Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act
• Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act

1. Is my landlord allowed to raise my rent by any amount in Illinois?
   Yes, unless you have a fixed-term lease or live somewhere with special local tenant protections, landlords are generally allowed to increase your rent by any amount once your lease ends, as long as they give proper notice and aren't violating emergency orders or retaliating.
2. What notice does my landlord need to provide for a rent increase?
   Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice for rent increases to month-to-month tenants. Fixed-term tenants must be notified before the lease ends if the rent will go up on renewal.
3. What should I do if I think my rent is unlawfully high after a disaster?
   Check for any existing executive orders regarding disaster price gouging, and if you believe your increase violates these rules, file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General using their official Consumer Complaint Form.
4. Does any Illinois city have rent control?
   No, state law currently prevents local governments from enacting rent control or limiting rent increases, although some cities have extra tenant protections (not rent control).
5. Where do I go if I need legal help with rent increases?
   You can contact your local county legal aid, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, or local renters’ services for direct support and guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Attorney General's Office – File consumer complaints, ask about rent gouging during disasters, or call 1-800-386-5438 (Chicago)
• Chicago Department of Housing – Renter Resources
• Illinois Legal Aid Online – Free legal information and help for renters statewide
• Illinois Housing Development Authority – Rental assistance and housing programs
• For disputes, contact your county or city housing department or local legal aid office

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1. Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act — ILCS 50/90-15
2. Illinois Emergency Management Agency: Disaster Declarations
3. Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act: Notice Requirements

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