State-Specific Tenant Protections

Illinois Tenant Rights & Protections

Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/) prohibits housing discrimination and is enforced by the Illinois Department of Human Rights (FHAP agency). The Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705/) and the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710/) govern rental housing. Illinois has no statewide cap on security deposits. Month-to-month tenancies require 30 days' notice. The Landlord Retaliation Act (effective January 2025) prohibits retaliation and creates a presumption of retaliation if adverse action occurs within 1 year of a tenant exercising protected rights.

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Key Protections

What Illinois Law Protects

Security Deposit Limit

No state cap

Eviction Notice Minimum

30 days

Retaliation Presumption

365 days

Rent Control

No statewide rent control

Fair Housing Protections

Illinois Human Rights Act (Housing Provisions)

775 ILCS 5/3-101 to 5/3-106

Protected Classes

RaceColorReligionSexNational originAncestryAgeMarital statusFamilial statusDisability (physical and mental)Military statusSexual orientationGender identityOrder of protection statusSource of income (including housing vouchers)Immigration status

Filing Information

Filing Agency

Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)

Filing Deadline

1 year (365 days) from the alleged discriminatory act

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Key Provisions

  • One of the most comprehensive state fair housing laws in the nation
  • Source of income protections bar landlords from refusing housing voucher holders
  • Covers discrimination in rental advertising, terms/conditions, and provision of services
  • Protects against retaliation for filing complaints or participating in investigations
  • IDHR investigates complaints; complainant may also file directly in state circuit court

Available Remedies

  • Compensatory damages (actual losses, emotional distress)
  • Injunctive relief (stop discriminatory practice, restore tenancy)
  • Attorney's fees and court costs
  • Civil penalties
  • Punitive damages available in court actions
Important Deadlines

Filing Deadlines in Illinois

Missing a deadline can forfeit your legal claim. Know your windows.

Law / AgencyDeadlineFiled With
Federal Fair Housing Act (HUD)300 daysHUD (via state FHAP agency)
Federal Fair Housing Act (Court)2 yearsFederal or state court
IL HRA Housing1 year (365 days) from the alleged discriminatory actIllinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)

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Legal Disclaimer

This page provides general legal information about Illinois tenant rights for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Laws change frequently; verify current statutes with your state agency or a qualified attorney. If you believe your rights have been violated, consult a licensed landlord-tenant attorney in Illinois.