Can an Illinois landlord charge a late 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, with care
This fee is allowed if disclosed, but it is easy to get wrong.
What the law says
Disclose it. Local limits apply: the Chicago RLTO caps late fees at $10 for the first $500 of monthly rent plus 5% of rent above $500.
How to disclose it on page one
Example wording for the first page of the lease:
Late fee (only if rent is late after the 5th): $10 plus 5% of rent above $500.
Use the same wording in the listing, or link a free fee disclosure page that shows it.
Local rules
Chicago (RLTO): at most $10 for the first $500 of rent plus 5% above $500. Suburban Cook County (RTLO): at most $10 for the first $1,000 plus 5% above $1,000.
For renters
If a late 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 a late fee?
Yes, with care. Disclose it. Local limits apply: the Chicago RLTO caps late fees at $10 for the first $500 of monthly rent plus 5% of rent above $500.
Does a late 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.