Rent Control: Chicago vs Evanston
How do rent control rules compare between Chicago, IL and Evanston, IL?
Chicago and Evanston 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 →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Illinois state law (Rent Control Preemption Act, 50 ILCS 825) prohibits local rent control ordinances statewide. Cook County cannot impose rent control on unincorporated areas. No cap on annual rent increases.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Rent control prohibited by state law | - |
| State Law | 50 ILCS 825 (Rent Control Preemption Act) | 50 ILCS 825 |
| 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 | - | Prohibited statewide |
| Rent Increases | - | No cap |
| Notice | - | 30 days for month-to-month |
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.
Evanston FAQ
Does Cook County have rent control?
No. Illinois state law (50 ILCS 825) prohibits all local rent control ordinances. There is no cap on rent increases in unincorporated Cook County.
How much notice is required before a rent increase?
At least 30 days written notice for month-to-month tenancies under Illinois law. Lease terms may specify different notice requirements.
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