Rent Control: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do rent control rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago does not have rent control. Illinois law (the Rent Control Preemption Act of 1997, 50 ILCS 825) prohibits municipalities from enacting rent control measures. Tenant protections exist through the Chicago RLTO but do not include rent stabilization.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines does not have rent control. Illinois's Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825) prohibits Illinois municipalities from enacting any form of rent control on private residential property. Rent increases in Des Plaines are governed solely by lease terms and notice requirements under Illinois landlord-tenant law.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Rent control prohibited by state law | - |
| State Law | 50 ILCS 825 (Rent Control Preemption Act) | - |
| RLTO | MCC 5-12 provides tenant protections (not rent limits) | - |
| Late Fee Limit | $10 for first $500 rent; 5% above $500 | - |
| Repeal Efforts | Ongoing but unsuccessful as of 2025 | - |
| Rent Control | - | Not permitted |
| State Preemption | - | 50 ILCS 825 |
| Month-to-Month Notice | - | 30 days |
| Lease Increases | - | At renewal |
| Tenant Protections | - | Other state laws |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Does Chicago have rent control?
No. The Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act of 1997 (50 ILCS 825) prohibits all Illinois municipalities from enacting rent control. Landlords in Chicago can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
What tenant protections exist in Chicago without rent control?
The RLTO (MCC 5-12) provides protections including security deposit rules, late fee caps, anti-retaliation measures, subletting rights, and required notice periods for lease non-renewal. But it does not cap rent amounts or increases.
Des Plaines FAQ
Is there rent control in Des Plaines?
No. Illinois law preempts rent control, and Des Plaines has no rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. Landlords may set and adjust rents based on market conditions and lease terms.
How much notice must a landlord give to raise rent?
For a month-to-month tenancy in Illinois, 30 days' written notice is required before the increase takes effect. Mid-lease increases require express lease authorization.
Can Des Plaines enact rent control?
Not under current Illinois law. The Rent Control Preemption Act prohibits any municipal rent control. Repeal would require state legislative action.
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