Can an Illinois landlord charge a fee for contacting the manager?
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 contacting the owner or manager about maintenance, service requests, lease questions or other tenancy matters.
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 fee for contacting the manager, 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 fee for contacting the manager?
No. Banned. No fee for contacting the owner or manager about maintenance, service requests, lease questions or other tenancy matters.
What if my lease already includes a fee for contacting the manager?
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.