Recent Changes to Illinois Landlord-Tenant Law
Illinois lawmakers have been busy, and landlords (and their tenants) have a lot of new rules to track. Here is a brief rundown of some of the biggest changes.
No More “Junk Fees”
The Rental Fee Transparency and Limitations Act (delayed to enforcement starting January 1, 2027) is a big one. Landlords must disclose every mandatory fee, including security deposits, pet fees, parking, admin fees, and more, right on the first page of the lease and in the property listing itself. If a landlord misses a fee on page one, and tenants aren't on the hook for it.
The law also bans a long list of common "junk fees," including charges for lease renewals, after-hours maintenance requests, routine upkeep, contacting the landlord, and in-person move-in/move-out walkthroughs. Application fees are capped at $50 unless a background check actually costs more (and strict receipt/invoice rules apply if so). Note: this doesn't apply to owner-occupied buildings with 6 or fewer units, and stricter local rules (Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, etc.) still apply where they exist.
Emotional Support Animals Are Still Protected in Illinois
HUD recently pulled back federal enforcement guidance on emotional support animals, focusing instead on service animals. But Illinois landlords shouldn't change anything, as the Illinois Assistance Animal Integrity Act and Illinois Human Rights Act still require accommodation of ESAs, and tenants can still sue privately under the federal Fair Housing Act regardless of HUD's priorities.
The "Squatter Law" Isn't What You Think
Despite headlines, the new anti-squatter amendment to the Eviction Act is narrow. It merely clarifies that police can still enforce criminal trespass laws.
Minors Cannot Be Named in Evictions
Landlords can no longer name unemancipated minors as defendants in eviction filings. Doing so gets the entire case dismissed and sealed, and willful violations carry real penalties ($1,000 plus damages and attorney's fees). If you are a landlord, it is best practice to collect birthdates for all occupants during screening.
Safe Homes Act Gets a Companion Notice Law
The Safe Homes Act (in place since 2007) protects domestic and sexual violence victims by letting them break a lease or change locks without landlord approval. Illinois now requires landlords to attach a state-drafted "Summary of Rights" to the first page of every lease, signed by each tenant. Skip it, and tenants can recover damages plus attorney's fees.
Other 2025 Carryovers Still in Effect
Landlords can't require electronic-only rent payments or charge fees for paying by check/cash.
The new Landlord Retaliation Act protects tenants who report code violations.
Flood risk disclosures are now mandatory before signing a lease.
Tenants can submit their own reusable screening report instead of paying for a new one each time, subject to certain requirements.
Immigration status is now a protected class statewide; "bodily autonomy" is protected in Chicago and Cook County.
On the Horizon
A major rewrite of the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is coming, expected to bring just-cause eviction requirements, a rental registry, expanded rulemaking authority, and new fees. If you have questions regarding evictions or real estate law, please reach out to our office at 847-724-0300.
Emergency injunctive relief granted, protecting client's $100k+ real estate investment
Our client, the Purchaser under a real estate Purchase and Sale Agreement, sought emergency relief after the Sellers refused to allow property inspections required as a condition of our client's U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. Despite our client having already invested over $100,000.00 in property improvements, successfully obtained a special use zoning variance, and secured SBA financing, the Sellers blocked access to the property without adequate justification. The Court granted our Motion for Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), finding that our client demonstrated all required elements—including an ascertainable contractual right to inspections, irreparable harm, no adequate remedy at law, and a likelihood of success on the merits.
S. Aaron Tenenbaum discusses current bankruptcy landscape with Alvil Trucking
Alvil Trucking interviewed Attorney S. Aaron Tenenbaum regarding the current business bankruptcy landscape. Please note that the interview was conducted in Russian.
Early dismissal secured for general contractor in multi-party construction case
Tenenbaum Law Group successfully obtained a dismissal with prejudice on behalf of the defendant general contractor in a construction dispute brought by a subcontractor seeking recovery against both the general contractor and the project owner/developer. The Court granted Tenenbaum Law Group’s Motion to Dismiss in full, finding that no agency relationship was established and terminating all claims against the general contractor, precluding further re-pleading. This ruling fully and finally terminates the general contractor’s involvement in the litigation.
Developer protected from unfounded nondisclosure claim
Tenenbaum Law Group successfully resolved a threatened real estate dispute on behalf of a builder–developer client after a subsequent property owner made a $20,000+ demand alleging nondisclosure. Through a detailed pre-litigation response grounded in Illinois real estate law and the transaction record, Tenenbaum Law Group demonstrated that the claims lacked legal and factual support, resulting in the matter being resolved without court intervention and protecting the client from unwarranted liability.
Rebranding violations rejected as de minimis; fees awarded
Court Enforces Settlement Agreement and Awards Tenenbaum Law Group’s Fees for Noncompliance. Tenenbaum Law Group successfully enforced a settlement agreement in a Cook County Chancery Division matter after the opposing party violated agreed-upon rebranding obligations by continuing limited use of a prohibited business name in marketing materials and social media. Rejecting arguments that the violations were merely de minimis, the Court found the conduct risked market confusion and granted the motion to enforce, ordering the defendant to pay Tenenbaum Law Group’s attorney’s fees and costs incurred to secure compliance.
Post-decree enforcement results in $48,000 judgment
Tenenbaum Law Group secured a $48,000 judgment in a post-decree family law matter involving unpaid child support and a former spouse’s failure to indemnify for outstanding tax liabilities as required by the judgment of dissolution. The Court entered judgment enforcing the decree and holding the non-compliant party financially accountable for both support arrears and indemnification obligations.
Emergency TRO filed, cloud on title removed, and real estate sale preserved
Tenenbaum Law Group resolved a real estate dispute after filing an Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction to address a cloud on title created when a terminated buyer recorded a memorandum of contract despite the seller’s timely and proper termination under the contract’s terms. The improper recording prevented a scheduled closing with a bona fide third-party purchaser. Following emergency court proceedings, the matter was successfully settled, the cloud on title was removed, and the seller was able to proceed with the sale.
Representing the Estate of a Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant lost in the line of duty
Tenenbaum Law Group is honored to represent the estate of a Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant who died in the line of duty in April of 2023, after suffering a heart attack while fighting a high-rise fire in downtown Chicago. A 26-year CFD veteran and U.S. Navy veteran, he is remembered for his dedication to service, family, and fellow firefighters.
Landlord’s motion denied; tenants awarded $17,802 for statutory violations
Judgment for Tenants in a CCRTLO Enforcement Case. Tenenbaum Law Group secured summary judgment for residential tenants after a Cook County landlord unlawfully collected an excessive security deposit, failed to return it as required by law, improperly withheld funds for non-deductible expenses, and ignored multiple mandatory disclosure requirements under the Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance. The Court rejected the landlord’s motion to dismiss, granted summary judgment on multiple statutory violations, and entered judgment totaling $17,802 in statutory damages, attorney’s fees, and court costs—underscoring that landlords who disregard tenant-protection laws can be held financially accountable.