Can an Illinois landlord charge an application fee?
For Illinois residential leases signed on or after January 1, 2027 (765 ILCS 705/35).
Last reviewed November 1, 2026 against Public Act 104-0479 and the sources below · How we check facts
Yes, up to $50
An application fee is allowed up to $50, background check included. Above $50 only under a narrow third-party background check exception.
What the law says
Capped at $50 including background checks. More is allowed only for a third-party background check that costs more than $50, paid by you upfront and billed to the applicant within 14 days with the receipts.
How to disclose it on page one
Example wording for the first page of the lease:
Application fee: $50 per adult applicant, background check included.
Use the same wording in the listing, or link a free fee disclosure page that shows it.
For renters
If an application fee is required but missing from page one of a lease signed from January 1, 2027, you are not liable for it. Renter rights.
Make your disclosure in about two minutes. Put every required fee on one page with a link you can paste into any listing, plus a print-ready block for page one of your lease.
Frequently asked questions
Can an Illinois landlord charge an application fee?
Yes, up to $50. Capped at $50 including background checks. More is allowed only for a third-party background check that costs more than $50, paid by you upfront and billed to the applicant within 14 days with the receipts.
Does an application fee have to be on the first page of the lease?
If every tenant (or every tenant in that situation) must pay it, yes. Non-optional fees must be explicitly listed on page one, or the tenant is not liable for them.
Related
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with an Illinois attorney.