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.