Chicago landlord updates · Last checked October 3, 2026
Chicago landlord law updates
What's changing in Chicago and Illinois rental rules, in plain English, with the source for each item. Newest first. We only add an update when something actually changes.
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Protecting Renters Ordinance: no vote yet
The Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) was introduced to City Council on June 29, 2026. The City describes it as a modernization of the RLTO with four parts: RLTO changes, a rental registry with fees tiered by property size, a new Bureau of Rental Housing Services, and an eviction counsel program. A competing proposal, the FAIR ordinance, is also pending.
Neither ordinance was called for a vote at the September 29 City Council meeting. As of today the City lists PRO as pending Council approval. Nothing has changed for landlords yet. We'll post here, and email alert subscribers, if and when something passes.
Source: City of Chicago Department of Housing, Protecting Renters Ordinance page; Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance update, September 29, 2026.
Illinois rental fee law: fees on page 1, $50 application cap
Public Act 104-0479 adds a new section to the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705/35). The General Assembly lists its effective date as January 1, 2027. For leases signed after it takes effect:
- Every mandatory fee has to appear on the first page of the lease.
- Application or background-check fees are capped at $50, with a narrow exception for actual third-party costs.
- Some fees are banned outright, including fees for lease renewals, move-in and move-out walk-throughs, and routine maintenance.
Owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units are exempt.
Source: 765 ILCS 705/35; Public Act 104-0479; Illinois General Assembly bill status for HB 3564.
Chicago security deposit interest rate: 0.01%
The City Comptroller set the 2026 interest rate on security deposits at 0.01%, the same as every year since 2015. It applies to deposits held more than six months in units covered by the RLTO. Read our Chicago security deposit guide.
Source: City of Chicago Department of Housing, 2026 security deposit interest rate notice.
Radon and flood disclosures for new leases
Illinois landlords now give a radon guide and disclosure form for units below the third story (since January 1, 2024) and a written flood disclosure, in the lease and signed by both parties (since January 1, 2025). See what else goes in a Chicago lease file in our move-in guide.
Source: 420 ILCS 46 (Radon Awareness Act); 765 ILCS 705/25.
Plain-English Chicago guides
- Chicago security deposit rules
- Chicago rent increase notice rules
- Chicago late rent and late fee rules
- What Chicago landlords must give tenants at move-in
This page is general information, not legal advice. Proposed ordinances can change before a vote; check the current law or talk to a local attorney before acting.