Illinois has no statewide statute capping residential rent late fees or setting a grace period. Late fees are governed by the written lease and general contract law, under which a fee must be a reasonable estimate of damages rather than a punitive penalty. Chicago and Cook County are separate, stricter regimes that cap late fees.
No Illinois statute sets a maximum or percentage limit on residential rent late fees statewide, and the Rent Control Preemption Act does not address fees. A late fee is enforceable only if it is written into the lease; if the lease is silent, no late fee may be charged. Because excessive charges can be struck down as an unenforceable penalty under contract law, a late fee should reflect a reasonable estimate of the landlord's loss. Chicago and Cook County are separate, stricter regimes: the Chicago RLTO limits late fees to $10 per month for rent up to $500, plus 5% of any amount above $500. There is no statewide grace period.
No specific statutory penalty statewide. A late fee not stated in the lease is unenforceable, and a fee a court finds punitive rather than a reasonable damages estimate may be reduced or voided. Under the Chicago RLTO, charging an above-cap fee can expose the landlord to ordinance remedies.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Waukegan, IL
Barking dogs that create excessive noise fall under Waukegan's general noise ordinance and Chapter 4 animal control provisions. Complaints handled by Waukega...
Waukegan, IL
Construction, demolition, and repair noise is exempt from Waukegan's excessive noise ordinance between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Work outside those hours is subje...
Waukegan, IL
Waukegan Municipal Code Chapter 11, Article II regulates excessive noise citywide. Sound audible at 50 feet or more from the source is prohibited on public w...
Waukegan, IL
Waukegan enforces an alternate parking ordinance year-round: odd side on odd days, even side on even days, 12:01 AM to 11:59 AM. No all-night parking on stre...
Waukegan, IL
Commercial vehicle parking on Waukegan residential streets is restricted. The alternate parking ordinance and overnight ban apply to all vehicles including c...
Waukegan, IL
Driveway construction and modifications in Waukegan require permits from the Building & Code Department. Curb cut permits required for new driveways per Sect...
See how Waukegan's late fees & grace periods rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.