Springfield, IL Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Mandatory heat season
- October 15 through April 15
- Applies to
- Dwelling units and indoor work spaces
- Enforcing office
- City housing inspectors, Dept. of Building & Zoning
- First-violation correction window
- Up to 60 days, extendable twice
- Immediate health hazard window
- 24 hours
- Second-conviction fine
- Minimum $500 plus daily fine
Summary
Springfield's Property Maintenance Code amendment requires owners to supply heat to occupied dwellings from October 15 through April 15. Sec. 170.10.03(j) rewrites IPMC Sections 602.3 and 602.4 so both residential units and indoor work spaces must be heated during that six-month window, enforced by the city's housing inspectors.
(j)The following are additions, insertions, and changes to the International Property Maintenance Code: Section 101.1 "Springfield" is the name of the jurisdiction. Section 303.2 This section applies to all existing swimming pools only if remodeling work is taking place. Section 304.14 Insect screens during the period from May 1 to October 15, inclusive. Section 602.3 Owner must supply heat during the period from October 15 through April 15, inclusive. Section 602.4 Indoor work spaces shall be supplied with heat during the period from October 15 through April 15, inclusive.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 82).
Full Breakdown
Springfield adopted the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code by reference in Sec. 03(a) as the baseline habitability standard, and Sec. 4 to require heat in "indoor work spaces" during the same window, replacing the model code's temperature-triggered heat rule with a fixed calendar mandate. 2. Enforcement runs through the housing inspectors appointed under Sec. 05(d), who can investigate tenant complaints as grounds for an inspection, and through Sec. 06(b), which requires a written violation notice giving the owner up to 60 days to correct a heat outage, extendable twice by 60 days each for substantial progress, while an immediate health hazard, which a lack of heat in winter qualifies as, must be corrected within 24 hours or the city may act on the owner's behalf.
Violations & Fines
Failing to supply heat between October 15 and April 15 is a housing code violation. A first violation notice gives the owner up to 60 days to fix it, extendable twice for substantial progress; if the heat outage is an immediate health hazard, correction is required within 24 hours or the city may fix it and bill the owner. A second conviction within one year carries a mandatory minimum $500 fine plus a daily fine until corrected, under Sec. 170.10.06(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
When must a Springfield landlord turn the heat on?
What happens if my landlord won't fix a broken furnace in winter?
Is there a fine for repeat heat violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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