11 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Cook County, Illinois.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Cook County passed a Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance providing tenant protections in unincorporated areas. Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act governs eviction procedures. Landlords must follow proper legal process.
Cook County passed a Rental Dwelling Ordinance on June 29, 2016, establishing rental property registration and inspection requirements for unincorporated areas. Landlords must comply with county building and housing codes.
Cook County Ordinances — Service Information
County Ordinances — Service Information — Search and view the Cook County code of ordinances, or laws, as passed by the County Board of Commissioners. Adopted ordinances that have not yet been codified, or formally added to the code, are also available for viewing through this site. External Service Link — County Code of Ordinances - Municode.
Suburban Cook County landlords ending tenancy without tenant fault under the Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance must provide written notice and, in qualifying conversions or demolitions, a relocation payment to displaced tenants.
Cook County RTLO and the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act govern deposit handling for suburban Cook rentals: written itemization of deductions, return within statutory deadlines, and interest on deposits held over six months for larger buildings.
Cook County has no specific tenant buyout ordinance regulating cash-for-keys agreements. Voluntary buyouts are permitted but governed only by general contract law and RTLO anti-harassment principles.
Suburban Cook County RTLO recognizes no-fault eviction grounds including owner move-in, demolition, and substantial rehabilitation, all requiring extended written notice and compliance with the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act court process.
Cook County RTLO restricts what charges a landlord may pass through to tenants beyond rent. Late fees are capped, utility billing must be transparent, and undisclosed surcharges or junk fees are unenforceable against tenants.
Cook County RTLO retaliation rules and the Just Housing Amendment to the Human Rights Ordinance prohibit landlord harassment, threats, service interruptions, and discriminatory treatment intended to force tenants out without going through court eviction.
Cook County Human Rights Ordinance Ch. 42 and the Illinois Human Rights Act prohibit landlords from refusing tenants based on lawful source of income, including Housing Choice Vouchers, SSI, child support, and other government assistance.
The Housing Authority of Cook County administers Housing Choice Vouchers in suburban Cook. Source-of-income protections in county and state law require landlords to consider voucher holders on equal terms with other applicants.
8 cities in Cook County have their own rental property rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
11 verified rules • Cash-for-Keys Agreements, Just Cause Eviction
3 verified rules • Just Cause Eviction, Rent Control
3 verified rules • Just Cause Eviction, Rent Control
3 verified rules • Just Cause Eviction, Rent Control
3 verified rules • Just Cause Eviction, Rent Control
3 verified rules • Just Cause Eviction, Rent Control
3 verified rules • Just Cause Eviction, Rent Control
3 verified rules • Just Cause Eviction, Rent Control
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