Illinois caps rental application fees at $50 and bans several landlord fees starting in 2027

Illinois Public Act 104-0479 amends the state's Landlord and Tenant Act for leases and renewals entered into after it takes effect on Jan. 1, 2027, law firm Clark Hill reported. All non-optional fees must appear on the first page of the lease or tenants are not liable for them, listings must disclose mandatory fees and whether utilities are included, and application fees including background checks are capped at $50 with limited exceptions. The law bans fees for renewals, eviction notices or filings before a court order, routine or after-hours maintenance, maintenance hotlines, pest control not caused by the tenant and move-in or move-out walkthroughs, while owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units are exempt.