Late rent fees in Illinois
HB 3564 does not set a late fee limit. Late fees remain governed by the lease, a reasonableness standard and local ordinances, and from 2027 they belong on page one of the lease.
Updated November 1, 2026 · Based on Public Act 104-0479
The rules by location
| Where | Late fee limit |
|---|---|
| Illinois (state law) | No dollar or percentage cap for ordinary residential leases. Fees must be reasonable and in the lease. |
| Chicago (RLTO) | $10 per month for the first $500 of monthly rent plus 5% of rent above $500. |
| Suburban Cook County (RTLO) | $10 per month for the first $1,000 of monthly rent plus 5% of rent above $1,000. |
Late fee calculator (Chicago and Cook County)
Disclose it on page one
A late fee only applies when rent is late, but every tenant is bound by it. List it on the first page of the lease with how it is calculated, and on your fee page under "charged only if it applies."
Proposed statewide limits
Bills have been filed to set a statewide grace period and cap, but none had become law when this page was updated. Check before relying on either.
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
Is there a maximum late fee in Illinois?
Not statewide for ordinary residential leases. Chicago and suburban Cook County set their own caps.
What is the Chicago late fee limit?
$10 per month for the first $500 of monthly rent plus 5% of any rent above $500, under the RLTO.
Does HB 3564 ban late fees?
No. It requires required fees, including a late fee policy, to be disclosed on page one of the lease.
Related
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with an Illinois attorney.