Can an Illinois landlord charge a pet deposit?
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, if disclosed
This fee is allowed, but if it is required it must be on page one of the lease and in the listing.
What the law says
Treated as part of the security deposit under local ordinances such as Chicago RLTO and Cook County RTLO.
How to disclose it on page one
Example wording for the first page of the lease:
Pet deposit (refundable, only with a pet): $300 per pet, due before move-in.
Use the same wording in the listing, or link a free fee disclosure page that shows it.
Local rules
Under the Chicago RLTO and Cook County RTLO, a refundable pet deposit is part of the security deposit.
For renters
If a pet deposit 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 pet deposit?
Yes, if disclosed. Treated as part of the security deposit under local ordinances such as Chicago RLTO and Cook County RTLO.
Does a pet deposit 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.