What a Landlord Cannot Do in Illinois: Legal Rules

Understanding what a landlord cannot do in Illinois is one of the strongest tools a tenant can have when renting a home. Rental relationships often place landlords in a position of authority, yet Illinois law intentionally limits that authority to prevent abuse, unfair treatment, and unlawful eviction practices.

At first, many renters believe landlords can act freely as long as rent is paid late or a lease is ending. However, Illinois landlord-tenant law (Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS), specifically Chapter 765 (Property), draws very clear boundaries around landlord behavior. Those boundaries define what a landlord cannot do in Illinois, regardless of personal opinions, lease language, or financial pressure.

As this guide progresses, it moves from foundational tenant protections into specific legal restrictions, then expands into eviction rules, security deposits, discrimination laws, and tenant remedies. Each section connects logically, allowing renters to understand not only their rights, but how those rights work together in real-life situations.

Also Read: How Much Is Landlord Insurance in California?

Landlord Authority Under Illinois Law

Illinois landlord-tenant relationships operate under state statutes, federal housing laws, and local ordinances. While landlords retain ownership rights, those rights stop where tenant protections begin.

Illinois law allows landlords to:

• Set rental prices
• Require tenant screening
• Enforce valid lease terms
• Collect reasonable fees

However, Illinois law also clearly defines what a landlord cannot do in Illinois, even if a lease attempts to say otherwise. Courts routinely strike down illegal lease clauses and penalize landlords who exceed their authority.

This balance exists to protect housing stability while preserving lawful property management.

Illegal Entry and Violation of Tenant Privacy

One of the most common violations involving what a landlord cannot do in Illinois concerns unauthorized entry into a rental unit.

Landlords Cannot Enter Without Proper Notice

Illinois tenants have a legal right to “quiet enjoyment” of their homes. This means landlords cannot enter rental units without reasonable notice and a legitimate reason.

Illegal entry includes:

• Entering without tenant consent
• Entering repeatedly to intimidate or harass
• Entering late at night or early morning
• Entering without a valid purpose

Emergencies such as fires, flooding, or gas leaks allow immediate access. Routine repairs, inspections, or showings require advance notice.

Repeated violations may allow tenants to pursue legal remedies or terminate the lease.

Self-Help Evictions Are Illegal in Illinois

Few violations are taken more seriously than unlawful evictions.

Lockouts, Shutoffs, and Forced Removal Are Prohibited

Illinois law clearly states what a landlord cannot do in Illinois when attempting to remove a tenant. Landlords cannot:

• Change locks
• Shut off water, gas, or electricity
• Remove doors or windows
• Take tenant belongings
• Threaten eviction without court action

Only a sheriff, acting under a court order, may physically remove a tenant.

Illinois eviction procedures fall under the Forcible Entry and Detainer Act, which requires:

1. Written notice
2. Filing an eviction lawsuit
3. Court hearing
4. Judicial eviction order

Any shortcut violates the law and exposes landlords to serious penalties.

Also Read: Chicago Landlord-Tenant Ordinance: What You Need to Know

Retaliatory Evictions Are Strictly Prohibited

Another major category defining what a landlord cannot do in Illinois involves retaliation.

Protection Against Retaliatory Actions

Illinois law protects tenants who:

• Report health or safety violations
• Contact housing inspectors
• File complaints with government agencies
• Join tenant organizations
• Assert legal rights

Landlords cannot raise rent, reduce services, or terminate leases in retaliation.

Courts often presume retaliation when adverse actions follow shortly after tenant complaints, placing the burden on landlords to prove otherwise.

Housing Discrimination Is Illegal in Illinois

Housing discrimination remains one of the most serious violations under state and federal law. Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/3-101 et seq.)

Protected Classes Under Illinois and Federal Law

Understanding what a landlord cannot do in Illinois requires recognizing prohibited discrimination. Landlords cannot refuse housing, alter terms, or treat tenants differently based on:

• Race or color
• Religion
• National origin or ancestry
• Sex or gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Disability
• Marital status
• Source of income
• Family status, including children

The Federal Fair Housing Act further strengthens these protections nationwide.

Victims of discrimination may file complaints with:

• Illinois Department of Human Rights
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Improper Rent Increases and Notice Violations

Illinois does not have statewide rent control, but notice requirements still apply.

When Rent Increases Become Illegal

Another clear example of what a landlord cannot do in Illinois involves improper rent increases.

Landlords cannot:

• Raise rent during a fixed-term lease
• Increase rent without required notice
• Use rent increases as retaliation

Required notice includes:

• Seven days for week-to-week tenancies
• Thirty days for month-to-month tenancies

Local ordinances may require longer notice periods.

Also Read: Rental Property Management in Orlando, FL: What to Know

Failure to Maintain Habitable Living Conditions

Landlords have a legal duty to provide safe, livable housing.

Habitability Violations Are Illegal

Illinois law prohibits landlords from renting or maintaining unsafe properties. Violations include:

• No heat or running water
• Severe mold or pest infestations
• Unsafe wiring or plumbing
• Structural damage
• Broken locks or windows

Ignoring repair requests may allow tenants to:

• Seek rent reduction
• Terminate the lease
• Raise defenses during eviction proceedings

Habitability obligations exist regardless of lease language.

Improper Handling of Security Deposits

Security deposit abuse is one of the most frequent disputes involving what a landlord cannot do in Illinois.

Illinois Security Deposit Rules

Landlords cannot:

• Keep deposits without justification
• Miss return deadlines
• Fail to provide itemized damage statements
• Ignore interest payment requirements

Under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act:

• Deposits must be returned within 45 days
• Itemized damage lists must be provided within 30 days
• Buildings with 25 or more units must pay interest

Violations may result in damages equal to twice the deposit plus legal fees.

Illegal Lease Clauses and Unenforceable Terms

Not all lease terms are legally valid.

Lease Clauses That Are Not Enforceable

Illinois courts invalidate lease provisions that:

• Waive landlord liability for negligence
• Allow illegal eviction methods
• Limit tenant legal remedies
• Shift unlawful costs to tenants

Signing an illegal clause does not make it enforceable.

Also Read: When to Hire a Landlord-Tenant Disputes Attorney: A Complete Guide

Utility Shutoffs and Service Interference

Utilities are essential services protected by law.

Utility Abuse Is Illegal

Landlords cannot:

• Shut off utilities to force rent payment
• Fail to pay utilities they are responsible for
• Interrupt services as punishment

Under the Illinois Rental Property Utility Service Act, tenants may pay unpaid utilities and deduct the amount from rent when landlords fail their obligations.

Improper Lease Termination

Lease termination rules (735 ILCS 5/ Article IX (Eviction) further define what a landlord cannot do in Illinois

Notice Requirements Must Be Followed

Landlords cannot:

• Terminate leases verbally
• Ignore statutory notice periods
• Terminate fixed-term leases early without cause

Required written notice includes:

• Thirty days for month-to-month leases
• Sixty days for year-to-year leases

Reasons are not required, but written notice is mandatory.

Illegal Tenant Screening Practices

Tenant screening is lawful, but misuse is not. llegal tenant screening practices in Illinois are primarily governed by the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/), the Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705/), and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Screening Restrictions Under Illinois Law

Landlords cannot:

• Apply inconsistent screening standards
• Use discriminatory criteria
• Reject tenants based on protected traits

Background checks must remain lawful, relevant, and applied equally.

Tenant Remedies When Landlords Break the Law

Understanding what a landlord cannot do in Illinois only matters if tenants know how to respond.

Legal Remedies Available to Tenants

Tenants may:

• File complaints with housing agencies
• Sue for damages
• Assert defenses during eviction cases
• Seek legal aid support

Helpful resources include:

• Illinois Legal Aid Online
• Illinois Courts Help
• Illinois Tenant Rights Handbook
• Local housing departments

Also Read: Landlord Rules for Tenants: What’s Legal

Local Ordinances Provide Additional Protection

Some Illinois cities provide stronger tenant protections.

Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance

Chicago tenants receive expanded rights regarding:

• Security deposits
• Repair timelines
• Retaliation penalties

Local laws often enhance state protections.

Why Knowing These Rules Matters

Understanding what a landlord cannot do in Illinois allows tenants to:

• Prevent illegal eviction
• Protect financial deposits
• Enforce habitable living conditions
• Respond confidently to disputes

Landlords also benefit from compliance, reducing legal risk and fostering professional rental relationships.

Conclusion

Illinois landlord-tenant law establishes firm legal boundaries designed to protect housing stability. Knowing what a landlord cannot do in Illinois gives tenants confidence, leverage, and peace of mind.

Housing security begins with legal awareness. Whether renting in Chicago or a smaller Illinois community, informed tenants are far better equipped to protect their rights and ensure fair treatment.

References & Legal Sources

• Illinois Compiled Statutes
• Illinois Security Deposit Return Act
• Illinois Retaliatory Eviction Act
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Illinois Legal Aid Online
• Illinois State Bar Association
• American Apartment Owners Association