Chicago, IL Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, every Chicago landlord covered by the chapter must maintain the premises in compliance with the municipal code and promptly make repairs to fulfill that duty. A long list of failures counts as material noncompliance rendering a unit not reasonably fit and habitable, including broken structural elements, missing smoke alarms, no working toilet/sink/tub, inadequate heat or hot water, pest infestations, and unsafe electrical or plumbing systems. For minor defects (repair cost under $500 or half a month's rent), a tenant can fix the problem after 14 days' written notice and deduct the paid bill from rent. For larger failures, the tenant can withhold a reasonable rent amount, seek injunctive relief and damages, or terminate the lease. The chapter exempts owner-occupied buildings of six units or fewer (except the fair-notice and lockout provisions) and short hotel-type stays under 32 days.