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Illinois Tenant Rights Help — Get Your Action Plan in 60 Seconds

Landlord kept your deposit? Entered without notice? Threatening eviction? Describe what happened in your own words and get a plain-English breakdown, severity rating, step-by-step next steps, and ready-to-send letters — specific to Illinois law.

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Illinois tenant law, at a glance

Illinois requires deposits be returned within 30-45 days depending on building size. Eviction requires court process (forcible entry and detainer action). Chicago has additional tenant protections under the RLTO.

Free legal help in Illinois

Common questions

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?

30 days after move-out, with an itemized statement for any deductions.

Can my landlord enter without notice in Illinois?

Landlords must generally give 24-hour notice before entering, except in emergencies.

Can my landlord evict me without going to court in Illinois?

No. Eviction requires a court process — lockouts, belongings removal, and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal.

Where can I get free legal help with a landlord dispute in Illinois?

Law Center for Better Housing at (312) 347-7600. You can also call or text 211 for local referrals.

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