Chicago landlord fees in 2027
Chicago landlords now follow two layers: the city's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) and, for leases signed from January 1, 2027, the statewide fee rules in 765 ILCS 705/35.
Updated November 1, 2026 · Based on Public Act 104-0479
Fees at a glance
| Fee | State law (HB 3564) | Chicago RLTO |
|---|---|---|
| Non-refundable move-in fee | Allowed, must be on page one and in the listing | Commonly used instead of a deposit; not a deposit if truly non-refundable |
| Security deposit | No cap, must be on page one | Strict handling, receipt, interest and return rules |
| Application fee | $50 cap, background check included | State cap applies |
| Late fee | Disclose on page one | Max $10 for the first $500 of rent plus 5% above $500 |
| Renewal or roommate change fee | Banned | Banned by the state law |
| After-hours or hotline fee | Banned | Banned by the state law |
| Pet fee or pet rent | Allowed, disclose it | A refundable pet deposit is part of the security deposit |
Move-in fees stay, but move to page one
Many Chicago landlords charge a non-refundable move-in fee instead of a security deposit to stay outside the RLTO's deposit rules. HB 3564 does not cap or ban that, but the fee now has to be on the first page of the lease and in the listing or its weblink.
RLTO exemptions are different
The RLTO's owner-occupied exemption and the state exemption are separate tests. A building can be exempt from one and covered by the other, so check both.
Suburban Cook County
Outside Chicago, Cook County's RTLO caps security deposits at 1.5 months of rent where it applies. The state fee rules apply on top. Cook County landlord fees.
Make your disclosure in about two minutes. Chicago renters search by address. A fee page for your unit shows up for that search and works as your listing weblink.
Frequently asked questions
Can Chicago landlords still charge move-in fees in 2027?
Yes. The state law does not cap or ban move-in fees. It requires listing them on page one of the lease and in the listing.
What is the Chicago late fee limit?
Under the RLTO, $10 per month for the first $500 of monthly rent plus 5% of rent above $500.
Does the $50 application cap apply in Chicago?
Yes. It is statewide for covered leases from January 1, 2027.
Related
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with an Illinois attorney.