Illinois Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws
Illinois rules on rent increases & late fees for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: No statewide rent control, and home rule units are preempted from regulating the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property. 50 ILCS 825/10 (Rent Control Preemption Act)
The rules in Illinois
| Rent control / increase limits | No statewide rent control, and home rule units are preempted from regulating the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property. AG fact sheet also states Illinois has no rent control law. |
|---|---|
| Late fees | No statutory cap statewide. AG: landlord may charge a reasonable fee for late rent. Landlords with 100+ units and an on-site office must accept rent there without penalty. A late-fee cap bill (HB 4998, 2026) did not pass; the enacted fee law (P.A. 104-479, 765 ILCS 705/35, eff. 1-1-27) requires all non-optional fees on the first page of the lease and bans listed 'junk fees' but sets no late-fee cap. Chicago RLTO caps late fees locally. |
Free calculators
- Late Fee Checker — Check a late fee against your state's cap and grace period.
- Rent Increase Calculator — In states with a statewide rent cap, see the most your rent can go up this year.
Related questions
- Can a landlord raise the rent in the middle of a lease?
- How much can a landlord charge for a late fee?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent?
- Can a landlord evict you for no reason?
Illinois vs. neighboring states
| State | Rent control / increase limits | Late fees |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | No statewide rent control, and home rule units are preempted from regulating the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property. 50 ILCS 825/10 (Rent Control Preemption Act) | No statutory cap statewide. AG: landlord may charge a reasonable fee for late rent. Landlords with 100+ units and an on-site office must accept rent there without penalty. Illinois AG fact sheet; 735 ILCS 5/9-218 |
| Indiana | Preempted: local units may not regulate rental rates for privately owned property, nor screening, security deposits, lease applications, lease terms, disclosures, parties' rights, or landlord fees, unless authorized by the General Assembly. Does not apply to property receiving government funds for reduced rents. IC 32-31-1-20 | No statutory cap or grace period. IC 32-31 (no late-fee provision); IC 32-31-1-20(c)(7) |
| Iowa | Preempted: cities and counties may not adopt or enforce any limit on the amount of rent for private residential or commercial property (except property in which the local government has an interest). No statewide cap. Iowa Code § 364.3(9) (cities); § 331.304(10) (counties) | Rent of $700/month or less: late fee may not exceed $12 per day or $60 per month. Rent over $700/month: not more than $20 per day or $100 per month. Iowa Code § 562A.9(4) |
| Kentucky | Preempted: only the General Assembly may enact rent control on private property; local governments may not. No statewide cap. KRS 65.875 | No statutory cap or grace period. KRS Chapter 383 (no late-fee provision) |
| Missouri | Statewide preemption. Counties and cities, including charter governments, may not enact, maintain, or enforce ordinances regulating the rent charged for privately owned residential or commercial rental property. Exceptions: property the locality owns, voluntary agreements for subsidized properties, and CDBG-assisted properties. RSMo 441.043 | No statute — no cap or grace period; late fees are governed by the lease. RSMo Chs. 441, 534 and 535 (no section on late fees) |
| Wisconsin | Preempted. No city, village, town, or county may regulate the amount of rent or fees charged for a residential rental unit. Inclusionary zoning is also prohibited. Wis. Stat. § 66.1015 | No statutory cap. A late fee may be charged only if the rental agreement specifically provides for it. Prepaid rent must be applied before a late fee is charged, and no fee may be charged for not paying a late fee. Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(8) |
City rules that may add to state law
More Illinois rental law
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- Squatters' Rights in Illinois
- Illinois Rental Fee Rules
- Illinois Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
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- Illinois Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All Illinois landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in Illinois
Compare rent increases & late fees in all 50 states and DC →
Illinois Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws FAQ
Is there rent control or a limit on rent increases in Illinois?
No statewide rent control, and home rule units are preempted from regulating the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property. (50 ILCS 825/10 (Rent Control Preemption Act))
Is there a limit on late fees in Illinois?
No statutory cap statewide. AG: landlord may charge a reasonable fee for late rent. Landlords with 100+ units and an on-site office must accept rent there without penalty. (Illinois AG fact sheet; 735 ILCS 5/9-218)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.