Illinois Landlord Compliance Checklist (Chicago RLTO Focus)
Essential compliance checklist for Illinois landlords: Chicago RLTO requirements, security deposit interest, just cause eviction in select cities.
Illinois landlord-tenant law varies significantly by city. Chicago has the strictest regulations with the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO).
Chicago RLTO Compliance
Requirements for Chicago landlords
Security deposit limits
Chicago: 1.5 months (unfurnished) or 2 months (furnished). No state limit outside Chicago.
Pay interest on deposits annually
Chicago requires interest payment within 30 days of lease anniversary. Rate set by city annually.
Return deposit within 30-45 days
Chicago: 30 days (tenant moves out), 45 days (itemized deductions). State: 30 days.
2-day notice before entry in Chicago
Chicago RLTO requires 2-day written notice (stricter than most states). State: reasonable notice.
Just Cause Eviction (Select Cities)
Some IL cities have just cause requirements
Check if just cause applies
Evanston, Oak Park have just cause ordinances. Chicago considering. Verify local rules.
Proper eviction notices
5-day notice for non-payment, 10-day notice for lease violations. 30-day for month-to-month termination.
Habitability & Disclosures
Property standards and required disclosures
Maintain habitability standards
Heat (Oct 1-June 1: 68°F in Chicago), hot water, plumbing, smoke/CO detectors
Lead paint disclosure (pre-1978 properties)
Federal requirement: provide EPA pamphlet and disclosure form
Pro Tips
- •Chicago RLTO strictly enforced - violations result in fines and tenant lawsuits
- •Pay deposit interest on time - Chicago tenants know their rights and file complaints
- •Use Chicago lease addendum with RLTO summary (required disclosure)
- •Join Chicago Apartment Association for updates on ordinance changes
Related Resources
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