What temperature is my Chicago landlord required to maintain?

From September 15 through June 1, at least 68°F from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and at least 66°F from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. This applies regardless of the reason heat is out.

How do I report a heat complaint in Chicago?

Call 311 or file online with the Department of Buildings to request a heat inspection. It's also worth notifying your landlord in writing at the same time, since written notice matters for any later RLTO remedy.

Chicago Heat Law & Utility Complaints

Q: Can my landlord shut off my utilities to force me out?

No. Under RLTO Section 5-12-160, willfully interrupting utility service without a court order is illegal. A landlord who does this is liable for the tenant's actual damages or two months' rent, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees and court costs, and the tenant can also recover possession of the unit.

Updated for 2026 · Part of the Chicago Renters' Rights series

A thermometer showing a cold indoor temperature next to a radiator in a Chicago apartment during winter — Chicago landlords are required to maintain minimum indoor temperatures from September 15 through June 1.

This is not legal advice. This article explains general rules for informational purposes only. If you have no heat in cold weather, this can be an urgent safety issue — call 311 to report it and consult a licensed Illinois attorney or a tenant rights organization about your specific situation.

1. The heat ordinance rules

From September 15 through June 1, Chicago's Heat Ordinance (part of the Chicago Building Code, layered with RLTO habitability obligations) requires landlords to maintain:

Time	Minimum temperature
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.	68°F
10:30 p.m. – 8:30 a.m.	66°F

This applies regardless of the reason heat is out — equipment failure, an unpaid gas bill on the building account, or anything else. Landlords who don't comply face city fines of $500–$1,000 per day, per violation, enforced by the Department of Buildings.

2. Free tool: Temperature Log & Complaint Generator

No signup. Runs in your browser. Log each temperature reading with the date and time — the tool flags any reading below the legal minimum for that time of day — then download a dated record to file with 311 or send to your landlord.

Your name

Rental address

3. Illegal utility shutoffs

Under RLTO Section 5-12-160, a landlord cannot change your locks, remove doors or windows, or willfully shut off utility service to try to force you out — with or without a stated reason. This applies even if there's a dispute about rent or the lease. A landlord who does this is liable for your actual damages or two months' rent, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees and court costs, and you can also recover possession of the unit.

4. Your remedies

Report to the city. Call 311 or file online with the Department of Buildings for a heat inspection — this creates an independent city record.
Written notice to your landlord. Document the problem in writing, which matters if you later pursue habitability remedies (see our habitability violations guide).
Habitability remedies. Persistent, unaddressed heat failures can support rent withholding, repair-and-deduct, or lease termination under RLTO 5-12-110, following the same 14-day notice process.
Illegal shutoff claim. If utilities were deliberately cut to pressure you, that's a separate claim under 5-12-160 with its own damages.

5. How to report a violation

Take temperature readings at different times of day, especially early morning and evening.
Log the readings with date and time (use the tool above).
Call 311 or file online with the Department of Buildings to request an inspection.
Notify your landlord in writing at the same time, referencing the specific readings.
Keep the inspection result and any city violation notice for your records.

7. FAQ

What temperature is my landlord required to maintain?

68°F from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and 66°F overnight, from September 15 through June 1.

Can my landlord shut off my utilities to force me out?

No. This is illegal under RLTO 5-12-160 and carries damages of actual harm or two months' rent, whichever is greater, plus fees and costs.

How do I report a heat complaint?

Call 311 or file online with the Department of Buildings, and notify your landlord in writing at the same time.