How much can a landlord raise rent in Illinois?
Illinois has no cap on rent increases, and state law bars cities and counties from adopting rent control. A landlord cannot raise the rent during a fixed-term lease. For a month-to-month tenancy the landlord must give 30 days' written notice; in Chicago it is 60 days, or 120 days after three years in the unit.
Law checked against the statute text and official sources on November 7, 2026. Last site change: November 7, 2026 (changelog).
Is there a cap on rent increases in Illinois?
No Illinois law caps the amount of a residential rent increase (Illinois Attorney General).
Local rent control
- Local governments may not enact or enforce rent control on private residential property (Rent Control Preemption Act, 50 ILCS 825/5).
- Chicago (Fair Notice Ordinance): at least 60 days' notice of a rent increase or non-renewal for tenancies longer than six months and up to three years, and 120 days after more than three years; applies to leases and month-to-month tenancies.
- Suburban Cook County (Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance): 60 days' notice before a lease renewal or termination. Check the current county code for your unit.
How much notice is required?
Statewide, a month-to-month tenancy needs 30 days' written notice to change (7 days for week-to-week), and the Illinois Attorney General applies the same periods to rent increases (735 ILCS 5/9-207). Chicago and suburban Cook County require longer notice (see local rules).
How often can rent go up?
No statutory limit.
During a fixed-term lease
Not allowed. A landlord cannot raise the rent during a fixed-term lease before it expires (Illinois Attorney General).
Retaliatory increases
The Landlord Retaliation Act (765 ILCS 721, in force since January 1, 2025) presumes retaliation if the landlord raises the rent or takes other adverse action within one year after protected tenant activity. Chicago's RLTO and Cook County's RTLO also prohibit retaliatory increases.
Other rules to know
- Source of income is protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act: refusing tenants because they pay with a housing voucher is unlawful.
- Chicago landlords must attach the RLTO summary to every lease and renewal.
Illinois Fair Market Rents 2027 by county →
Sources: Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and tenant rights · City of Chicago: Fair Notice Ordinance · City of Chicago: RLTO · Illinois Dept. of Human Rights: housing · 50 ILCS 825/5 (unofficial code text) · 735 ILCS 5/9-207 (unofficial code text) · 765 ILCS 721/20 (unofficial code text)