Chicago Renter Protections

Chicago could be approaching one of the most significant changes to its landlord-tenant laws in decades. The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, commonly known as the RLTO, has governed the relationship between Chicago landlords and tenants since 1986. Now, two competing proposals would substantially rewrite those rules: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Protecting Renters Ordinance, commonly referred to as PRO, and the competing Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental Ordi

A new Illinois rental fee law takes effect January 1, 2027, bringing new disclosure requirements and restrictions on certain tenant fees. Here's what Chicago and Illinois landlords need to know—and why Chicago property owners should continue watching potential changes at the local level.