Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
Itemized damage statement with receipts within 30 days after move-out Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
To deduct for damage, deliver or mail an itemized statement of damage and repair costs, with copies of paid receipts, within 30 days after the tenant vacates (send receipts within another 30 days if you gave estimates).
Applies to: any number of units, some owner-occupied buildings exempt, when you hold a security deposit · Layer: Chicago, IL · Topic: Security deposit return
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"In case of such damage, the landlord shall deliver or mail to the last known address of the tenant within 30 days an itemized statement of the damages allegedly caused to the premises and the estimated or actual cost for repairing or replacing each item on that statement, attaching copies of the paid receipts" codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-080(d)(2).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Return deposit and interest within 45 days after move-out (7 days after a fire-related termination) Verified
Deadline: Within 45 days after move-out
Return the security deposit (or balance) with required interest within 45 days after the tenant vacates, less unpaid rent and documented damage beyond reasonable wear and tear. If the tenant terminates after a fire under 5-12-110(g), the deadline is 7 days.
Applies to: any number of units, some owner-occupied buildings exempt, when you hold a security deposit · Layer: Chicago, IL · Topic: Security deposit return
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"The landlord shall, within 45 days after the date that the tenant vacates the dwelling unit or within seven days after the date that the tenant provides notice of termination of the rental agreement pursuant to Section 5-12-110(g)," codelibrary.amlegal.com
"return to the tenant the security deposit or any balance thereof and the required interest thereon;" codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-080(d). Successor landlords must notify tenants within 14 days of a transfer (5-12-080(e)).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Hold deposit in a federally insured Illinois account; name the bank in the lease or within 14 days Verified
Deadline: Within 14 days after the lease starts
Keep deposits in a federally insured, interest-bearing account at an Illinois institution, never commingled. State the bank's name and address in the signed lease; with no written lease, tell the tenant in writing within 14 days of receiving the deposit.
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"A landlord shall hold all security deposits received by him in a federally insured interest- bearing account in a bank, savings and loan association or other financial institution located in the State of Illinois." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"If no written rental agreement is provided, the landlord shall, within 14 days of receipt of the security deposit, notify the tenant in writing of the name and address of the financial institution where the security deposit was deposited." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"if within 5 business days of the acceptance of the check or electronic transfer, the landlord transfers the amount of the security deposit into a separate account" codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-080(a). Anchor approximates the deposit date with the lease start. If first month's rent and deposit arrive in one payment, move the deposit to the separate account within 5 business days. If the deposit moves banks, notify within 14 days.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Signed security deposit receipt when the deposit is received Verified
Deadline: At the time the security deposit is received
Give the tenant a signed receipt showing the deposit amount, who received it (and the landlord's name if an agent), the date and a description of the unit. An electronic receipt is allowed for electronic payments. Without it, the tenant can demand the deposit back immediately.
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"any landlord who receives a security deposit from a tenant or prospective tenant shall give said tenant or prospective tenant at the time of receiving such security deposit a receipt indicating the amount of such security deposit," codelibrary.amlegal.com
"Failure to comply with this subsection shall entitle the tenant to immediate return of security deposit." codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-080(b). Violations of 5-12-080(a)-(e) can cost two times the deposit plus interest (5-12-080(f)).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Pay deposit interest within 30 days after each 12-month rental period (2026 rate 0.01%) Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after each lease anniversary
For deposits or prepaid rent held over six months, pay interest at the City Comptroller's rate for the year the lease was made (0.01% for 2026) within 30 days after each 12-month rental period, in cash or as a rent credit; pay remaining interest with the deposit at move-out.
Applies to: any number of units, some owner-occupied buildings exempt, when you hold a security deposit · Layer: Chicago, IL · Topic: Security deposit interest
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"A landlord who holds a security deposit or prepaid rent pursuant to this section for more than six months shall pay interest to the tenant" codelibrary.amlegal.com
"The landlord shall, within 30 days after the end of each 12-month rental period, pay to the tenant any interest, by cash or credit to be applied to the rent due." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"the rate of interest on security deposits under rental agreements governed for the period from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 shall be:" chicago.gov
Notes: MCC 5-12-080(c), 5-12-081. The rate is announced on the first business day of each year.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Attach the City's RLTO Summary (and security deposit interest summary) to every lease and renewal offer Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Attach the Department of Housing's current RLTO Summary to each written lease or renewal when first offered (give it to tenants with oral agreements), along with the security deposit interest rate summary. Violation lets the tenant terminate and recover $100.
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"A copy of such summary shall be attached to each written rental agreement when any such agreement is initially offered to any tenant or prospective tenant by or on behalf of a landlord and whether such agreement is for a new rental or a renewal thereof." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"The summary must be attached to each written lease agreement and lease renewal, and must be given to the tenant when there is an oral rental agreement." chicago.gov
Notes: MCC 5-12-170. The City's English summary on file is the December 2023 revision; check chicago.gov for the current version before each lease. At the initial offering of each new lease or renewal; give it to oral-agreement tenants too.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Disclose code violations (past 12 months), pending code cases and utility shutoff notices before each lease or renewal Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Before a tenant signs or renews, disclose in writing any City code violations cited in the previous 12 months for the unit and common areas, any pending code enforcement case (with case number), and any notice of intent to shut off utilities.
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"Before a tenant initially enters into or renews a rental agreement for a dwelling unit, the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on his behalf shall disclose to the tenant in writing:" codelibrary.amlegal.com
"Any code violations which have been cited by the City of Chicago during the previous 12 months for the dwelling unit and common areas" codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-100. Utility shutoff notices must also be disclosed throughout the tenancy.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Disclose owner/manager and agent for notices in writing at or before move-in Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
At or before the start of the tenancy, give the tenant in writing the name, address and phone number of the owner or manager and of the person authorized to receive notices and service of process; keep it current.
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"shall disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement of the tenancy the name, address, and telephone number of:" codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-090.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Give the Health Department bed bug brochure before each lease or renewal Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Before entering into or renewing a lease, give the tenant the Chicago Department of Public Health's bed bug prevention and treatment brochure.
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"prior to entering into or renewing such agreement, the landlord or any person authorized to enter into such agreement on his behalf shall provide to such tenant the informational brochure on bed bug prevention and treatment prepared by the department of health" codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-101.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Tell all tenants in writing within 7 days of being served a foreclosure complaint Verified
Deadline: Within 7 days after being served a foreclosure complaint (and before any new lease is signed)
If you are served with a foreclosure complaint on the building, notify all tenants in writing within seven days, with the court, case name and number and the required statement; also disclose it before any new lease is signed.
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"Within seven (7) days of being served a foreclosure complaint, as defined in 735 ILCS 5/15-1504, an owner or landlord of a premises that is the subject of the foreclosure complaint shall disclose, in writing, to all tenants of the premises that a foreclosure action has been filed against the owner or landlord." codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-095.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Fair Notice: 30/60/120 days before a rent increase, by length of tenancy Verified
Deadline: At least 120 days before the rent increase takes effect (30 days for occupancy under 6 months; 60 days for occupancy 6 months to 3 years; 120 days for occupancy over 3 years)
Give written notice of a rent increase at least 30 days before the stated termination date of the rental agreement for tenancies under six months, 60 days for six months to three years, and 120 days for over three years.
Who it covers: Applies to every rented unit in Chicago, including owner-occupied buildings of six or fewer units. Chicago has no rent control; the notice period is the rule.
"of the landlord’s intent to terminate a periodic tenancy, not renew a fixed-term rental agreement or increase the rental rate." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"30 days of notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy, decline to renew your lease or raise your rent if you have lived in your apartment for less than six months." chicago.gov
Notes: MCC 5-12-130(j). The ordinance ties the notice to the stated termination date of the rental agreement; the calendar uses the increase date you enter.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Fair Notice: 30/60/120 days before ending a periodic tenancy or not renewing, by length of tenancy Verified
Deadline: At least 120 days before the lease ends (30 days for occupancy under 6 months; 60 days for occupancy 6 months to 3 years; 120 days for occupancy over 3 years)
Give written notice of termination or non-renewal at least 30 days ahead if the tenant has lived there under six months, 60 days for six months to three years, and 120 days for over three years. Short notice lets the tenant stay up to 60 (or 120) days after notice.
Who it covers: Applies to every rented unit in Chicago, including owner-occupied buildings of six or fewer units (5-12-020(a)). Not required when terminating for nonpayment, lease breach or disturbance under 5-12-130(a), (b) or (d). Landlords may not require renewal more than 90 days before the lease ends (5-12-130(i)).
"For any residential tenancy of less than six months, the landlord shall notify the tenant in writing at least 30 days prior to the stated termination date of the rental agreement" codelibrary.amlegal.com
"For any residential tenancy of six months to three years, the landlord shall notify the tenant in writing at least 60 days prior to the stated termination date" codelibrary.amlegal.com
"For any residential tenancy greater than three years, the landlord shall notify the tenant in writing at least 120 days prior to the stated termination date" codelibrary.amlegal.com
"provided, however, that Sections 5-12-130(j) and 5-12-160 shall apply to every rented dwelling unit in such premises within the City of Chicago;" codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-130(j) (Fair Notice Ordinance, 2020; section amended 4-15-26 per the code's history note).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Two days' notice before entering (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. presumed reasonable) Verified
Deadline: At least 2 days before each non-emergency entry
Give at least two days' notice before entering for repairs, services, inspections or showings, by mail, phone, written notice to the unit or other reasonable means. For emergencies or unexpected repair access, enter without notice but tell the tenant within two days afterward.
Who it covers: Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Does not cover units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units (and certain hotels, dorms, co-ops, employee housing).
"the landlord shall give the tenant notice of the landlord's intent to enter of no less than two days." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"An entry between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. or at any other time expressly requested by the tenant shall be presumed reasonable." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"The landlord shall give the tenant notice of such entry within two days after such entry." codelibrary.amlegal.com
Notes: MCC 5-12-050.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Heat season September 15 - June 1: 68°F daytime / 66°F night where the landlord controls heat Verified
Deadline: Every year from September 15 through June 1
From September 15 to June 1, centrally heated rental units must be kept at least 68°F from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and 66°F overnight; individual heating equipment must be kept in good working order. Check the heating system before September 15.
Who it covers: Applies to rental units without individual tenant-controlled heat; if units have individual heating equipment, the landlord must keep it able to maintain 68°F. Fines $500-$1,000 per day per violation.
"The Heat Ordinance applies from September 15 until June 1." chicago.gov
"the indoor temperature is required to be at least 68°F from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and at least 66°F from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. for the entire heating season." chicago.gov
"Landlords and building owners face fines of $500 to $1,000 per day, per violation, if they do not supply adequate heat or functioning heating equipment." chicago.gov
Notes: Chicago Department of Buildings Heat Ordinance page (the underlying code section was not snapshotted). Two-pipe heating/cooling buildings have a 64°F rule early and late in the season.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Change or rekey the unit lock before each new tenant moves in (Cook County) Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
After a unit is vacated and on or before the day a new tenant takes possession, change or rekey the unit's lock (or change the code). You are liable for theft losses caused by failing to do so.
Who it covers: Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act §15 applies only in counties over 3,000,000 people (Cook County, including Chicago). Exempt: owner-occupied buildings of 4 units or fewer, rooms in owner-occupied homes, and leases letting the tenant rekey.
"After a dwelling unit has been vacated and on or before the day that a new lessee takes possession of the dwelling unit, the lessor shall change or rekey the immediate access to the lessee's individual dwelling unit." ilga.gov
"This Section applies only in counties having a population of more than 3,000,000." ilga.gov
Notes: State law (765 ILCS 705/15) that applies in Cook County; listed here because it does not apply statewide. On or before the day the new tenant takes possession.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
At least 60 days before the lease ends (7 days for week-to-week tenancy; 30 days for month-to-month (any term under one year) tenancy; 60 days for year-to-year tenancy)