Chicago Renters' Rights: The Complete Guide
1. Who the RLTO covers
The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) sets the baseline rules for most residential leases inside city limits. It covers things state law doesn't reach in the same detail: security deposit handling, notice requirements, habitability remedies, and tenant remedies for landlord violations.
| Covered | Generally not covered |
|---|---|
| Apartments and houses rented from a landlord who owns more than 6 units, or doesn't live in the building | Owner-occupied buildings of 6 units or fewer where the owner lives on-site |
| Most condos and single-family homes rented out by an owner who doesn't live there | Hotel and motel rooms rented short-term |
| Subsidized housing, with some RLTO provisions layered on top of federal rules | Some student housing and employer-provided housing, depending on structure |
If you're not sure whether your unit is covered, the checker below will walk through it.
2. Free tool: RLTO Coverage & Rights Checker
No signup. Runs entirely in your browser. Answer a few questions and download a personalized summary of which RLTO protections apply to you, plus the relevant deadlines.
3. Security deposits
- The landlord must give a signed receipt naming the owner, the date, and the unit.
- Deposits held more than six months earn annual interest at the city's published rate. For 2026, that rate is 0.01%, set by the City Comptroller each January.
- Deposits must be held in a separate account, not mixed with the landlord's operating funds.
- If a landlord violates the deposit rules, remedies can include damages of up to two times the deposit plus attorney's fees.
Full breakdown: Security deposit law in Chicago →
4. Habitability and repairs
Landlords must keep the unit in compliance with the city's building code: working plumbing, structurally sound floors and stairs, functioning locks, no pest infestations, and no exposed hazards like lead paint in poor condition. When something breaks that affects habitability, tenants generally have to give written notice and a reasonable window to fix it before pursuing remedies like repair-and-deduct.
Full breakdown: What counts as a habitability violation →
5. Heat and utilities
From September 15 through June 1, Chicago's Heat Ordinance requires landlords to maintain:
- 68°F from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- 66°F from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.
This applies regardless of the reason heat is out. Landlords who fail to comply face city fines of $500–$1,000 per day, per violation.
Full breakdown: Heat law and utility complaints →
6. Eviction basics
A landlord cannot lock you out, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out — these "self-help" evictions are illegal. Eviction has to go through Cook County court, starting with a written notice (the type and length depend on the reason), then a filed case, then a court judgment before a sheriff can remove anyone.
Full breakdown: How eviction actually works in Cook County →
7. Moving out the right way
Document the unit's condition before you hand back keys. Photos, timestamps, and a written move-out notice protect you if the landlord later disputes damage or delays returning your deposit.
Full breakdown: How to document issues before moving out → | What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit →
8. Go deeper: the full article series
9. Frequently asked questions
Does the Chicago RLTO apply to my apartment?
Most rental units in Chicago are covered. The main exemption is owner-occupied buildings of six units or fewer, though even those retain some protections.
How much interest does a Chicago landlord owe on my security deposit?
For deposits held during 2026, the required rate is 0.01%, the same minimum that's applied since 2015.
What temperature is my landlord legally required to maintain?
68°F during the day and 66°F overnight, from September 15 through June 1.
Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
No. Self-help evictions are illegal. Eviction requires a Cook County court order.