Rent control rules in Chicago, IL — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
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.
The Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act of 1997 (50 ILCS 825) expressly prohibits any Illinois municipality from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing rent control ordinances. This means Chicago cannot establish rent control, rent stabilization, or caps on rent increases. The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO, MCC 5-12) provides significant tenant protections including security deposit rules, late fee limits ($10 for first $500 of rent, 5% above $500), anti-retaliation protections, and notice requirements, but does not limit the amount of rent or rent increases. Landlords must provide 30-60 days' notice of lease non-renewal depending on tenancy length. There have been ongoing legislative efforts to repeal the state preemption, but none have succeeded as of 2025.
Not applicable - rent control is preempted. RLTO violations carry penalties of up to 2 months' rent or twice actual damages plus attorney's fees.
Chicago, IL
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Chicago, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle rent control.
See how Chicago's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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