Renting a home in Illinois can be costly, and with the shortage of at least 142,000 rental units and increasing demand, many tenants are feeling the pinch. As rents continue to rise, it’s crucial for tenants to understand their rights and the legal limits on rent increases.
In Illinois, there are no statewide rent controls, but landlords must still follow specific rules and provide proper notice for rent hikes.
This article will explain how much a landlord can raise rent in Illinois, the legal requirements for notice periods, and what tenants can do if they feel their rent increase is unfair or excessive.
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Illinois?
In Illinois, landlords have the freedom to raise rent by any amount since there are no statewide rent control laws. Whether it’s a 5%, 10%, or even a 15% increase, it’s within the landlord’s discretion. So, if you’re wondering, “Can my landlord raise my rent by $300?” the answer is yes, they can.
This flexibility is due to the Rent Control Preemption Act of 1997, which banned cities and counties from enacting rent control policies. While some states have laws that limit how much a landlord can raise rent, Illinois does not have any such restrictions.
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Illinois Per Year?
Landlords in Illinois can raise rent by any amount per year, as long as they give proper notice according to the lease terms.
This notice requirement is mandatory, and failure to follow it can lead to legal issues, giving tenants the right to continue paying rent at the previous rate or seek assistance from tenant advocacy organizations like Housing Action Illinois or Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO).
What Is the Limit for Month-to-Month Rent Increase in Illinois?
In Illinois, there is no limit on rent increases for month-to-month rentals. As long as the landlord provides the tenant with proper notice in writing, they can raise the rent by any amount. The only requirement is that the landlord must follow the correct notice timeline, which varies depending on the lease duration.
How Often Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Illinois?
A landlord can raise rent as frequently as they wish, provided they adhere to the required notice periods and do not raise the rent during the middle of an existing lease term unless the lease agreement allows for it.
For tenants with fixed-term leases, the landlord is prohibited from increasing rent until the lease expires. Rent hikes cannot be imposed until the lease term ends unless explicitly stated in the agreement. If the lease expires and is renewed, a new rent rate can be negotiated.
Rent Increase Notice in Illinois by Government
While landlords can freely adjust rent in Illinois, they are required by law to provide tenants with adequate notice of the change. The notice period depends on the duration of the lease:
30-Day Notice: Required if the lease term is less than 6 months.
60-Day Notice: Required if the lease term is more than 6 months but less than 3 years.
120-Day Notice: Required if the lease term is more than 3 years.
These rules apply to all residential rental units in Illinois. Some cities, like Chicago, have additional ordinances designed to provide greater stability for renters, such as the Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance passed in July 2020.
Can a Landlord Raise Rent More Than 10% in Illinois?
Yes, a landlord in Illinois can raise the rent by more than 10%. The Rent Control Preemption Act of 1997 allows landlords to adjust rent rates based on the market, with no statewide limit on the amount. However, the landlord must follow the proper notice procedure to ensure the increase is legally valid.
What Are the New Rental Laws in Illinois 2025?
In 2025, Illinois introduced several updates to tenant protections and rent increase regulations. Some key changes include:
Security Deposit
Landlords in Illinois can charge any amount for a security deposit, typically around one month’s rent. According to 765 ILCS 710, landlords must return the security deposit within 30 to 45 days after the tenant moves out, with an itemized list of any deductions for damages or unpaid rent.
If the landlord does not follow these rules, the tenant can sue for up to twice the amount of the security deposit in damages.
Eviction
Landlords can evict tenants for non-payment of rent, breaking lease rules, or engaging in illegal activities. For non-payment, landlords must provide a 5-day notice for the tenant to pay or vacate. If the tenant violates lease terms, the landlord must give a 10-day notice.
If the tenant engages in illegal acts, the landlord can provide a 5-day notice for immediate eviction.
Subletting
Subletting is allowed in Illinois but typically requires the landlord’s approval. If the lease does not mention subletting, tenants must still seek permission. Subletting without approval can lead to eviction, and the original tenant remains responsible for rent and damages unless released by the landlord.
Lease Renewal
Leases can automatically renew or expire based on the terms outlined in the agreement. For month-to-month leases, either the landlord or tenant must provide 30 days’ notice before ending the lease. For year-long leases, the notice period is 60 days.
In Chicago, landlords must provide 60 to 120 days’ notice before non-renewing a lease, depending on the length of the tenancy. Tenants should check their lease for specific details about lease termination and renewal.
Property Access
Landlords in Illinois must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency reasons, such as repairs or inspections. In Chicago, landlords must provide 48 hours’ notice, and entry can only occur between 8 AM and 6 PM. If an emergency occurs (e.g., a fire or flood), landlords can enter without prior notice.
How to Manage Your Rental Property and Rent Collection Online
Managing rental properties and collecting rent can be time-consuming and stressful. Using property management software can help streamline the process. Here’s how online tools can simplify rent collection:
Automatic Rent Collection: RentPost and similar software can automate rent collection, making it easier for tenants to pay online and for landlords to receive payments directly in their bank accounts.
Payment Reminders: Automatic reminders help tenants stay on track, reducing late payments and ensuring timely rent collection.
Financial Reports: Property management software provides detailed reports on income and expenses, making it easier for landlords to track property performance and adjust rents as needed.
How Does RentPost Help Manage Your Rental Property and Rent Collection?
RentPost is a comprehensive property management software that simplifies rent collection and tenant management. Key features include:
Tenant Screening: Thorough background checks, credit checks, and eviction history screening.
Real-Time Payment Tracking: Track payments and outstanding balances in real-time.
Automatic Payment Reminders: Reduce late rent payments with automated reminders.
Financial Reports: Access detailed income and expense reports to evaluate property performance.
Easy Scaling: RentPost makes it easy to add new units and tenants as your rental business grows.
Illinois offers landlords significant flexibility in adjusting rent prices, but they must still follow legal requirements such as providing the proper notice. Tenants should be aware of their rights and the rules around rent increases to protect themselves from unfair hikes.
Understanding the notice periods and staying informed about new rental laws can help tenants better navigate the rental market in Illinois.
