City protections
Chicago renter rules
No rent control (Illinois preempts it) - but the RLTO gives Chicago renters unusual leverage on deposits and repairs.
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The RLTO
Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance covers most rentals and must be summarized and attached to your lease. It's the source of most Chicago-specific rights.
Security deposit teeth
The RLTO's deposit rules (receipts, interest, strict return handling) carry penalties of up to twice the deposit for violations - among the strongest deposit remedies anywhere.
Late fees capped
The RLTO caps late fees using a small flat amount plus a percentage of rent above a threshold - most 'flat $100' late fees in Chicago leases are illegal.
The state layer underneath
City rules sit on top of Illinois state law - deposits, entry notice, and eviction process still come from the state.