Can an Illinois landlord charge a maintenance hotline 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
No
This fee is banned on covered Illinois leases, even if it is written on page one.
What the law says
Banned. No fee for a maintenance hotline or for calling one.
What to do instead
Remove it from lease templates, renewal forms and your billing system before January 1, 2027. If a tenant caused real damage, bill back the actual repair cost through your normal process instead of charging a fee. Renaming the fee does not help: the law bars renaming a fee to avoid Section 35.
For renters
If a lease signed from January 1, 2027 charges a maintenance hotline fee, ask the landlord in writing to remove it, citing 765 ILCS 705/35. Renter rights.
Make your disclosure in about two minutes. Check the rest of your fees and publish the allowed ones on one page with a listing link and page-one table.
Frequently asked questions
Can an Illinois landlord charge a maintenance hotline fee?
No. Banned. No fee for a maintenance hotline or for calling one.
What if my lease already includes a maintenance hotline fee?
Leases signed before January 1, 2027 are not covered. For a lease or renewal signed on or after that date, the fee is banned even if it is in the lease.
Related
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with an Illinois attorney.