Can an Illinois landlord charge a lease renewal fee?
Quick answer
No. For residential leases entered into after the law takes effect on January 1, 2027, Illinois bans any fee or fine for renewing or modifying a lease (765 ILCS 705/35(c)(3)), and landlords may not rename a fee to avoid it. Tenants can sue for injunctive relief, money, attorney's fees and costs. Owner-occupied buildings with 6 units or fewer are exempt.
Effective Jan 1, 2027: the Illinois rental fee law (HB 3564) applies, after Public Act 104-0514 moved its start date. Source: Public Act 104-0514
Short version: the answer is above. If you need to comply, the Illinois rental fee transparency kit gives you the templates, checklist and official sources for this law. $49 one-time, instant download.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law | 765 ILCS 705/35, added by Public Act 104-0479 (HB 3564) | Official source |
| Start date | January 1, 2027 (effective date shown by the Illinois General Assembly; Public Act 104-0514 moved the start date) | Official source |
| Renewal fees | No fee or fine for modification or renewal of a lease agreement (35(c)(3)) | Official source |
| Other banned fees | 11 in total, including application fees over $50, eviction-notice fees, after-hours maintenance fees, routine maintenance fees and move-in or move-out walk-through fees (35(c)) | Official source |
| Renaming | A landlord may not rename a fee or charge to avoid the Section (35(e)) | Official source |
| Exempt | Leases for units in owner-occupied buildings with 6 units or fewer (35(e)) | Official source |
| Penalty | No fixed fine; any person alleging a violation can sue, and the court may order injunctive relief, monetary relief, attorney's fees and costs (35(f)) | Official source |
| Last verified | October 20, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Does the ban cover lease modification fees too?
Yes. Section 35(c)(3) bans any fee or fine "for modification or renewal of a lease agreement", so it reaches a charge for changing an existing lease as well as a renewal charge. Section 35(e) adds that a landlord may not rename a fee or charge to get around the rules.
Which leases are covered?
The Section applies to residential lease agreements entered into after its effective date, which the Illinois General Assembly lists as January 1, 2027. It does not apply to leases for units in owner-occupied buildings with 6 units or fewer. Cities and counties may regulate tenant fees, but their rules must restrict fees at least as much as the State law.
What happens if a landlord charges one?
The statute sets no dollar fine. Any person alleging a violation can bring a civil action, and the court may order injunctive relief, monetary relief, attorney's fees and costs. Separately, a non-optional fee that is not explicitly listed on the first page of the lease cannot be collected from the tenant at all.
Want it done in an afternoon? The Illinois rental fee transparency kit turns these rules into fill-in templates, a checklist and a tracker, with the official sources quoted. One-time payment, instant download.
What else do people ask?
Does the law cap rent increases at renewal?
No. Section 35 deals with fees and fines; it does not set limits on rent.
What is the Illinois application fee limit?
$50, with a narrow exception for third-party background checks that cost more, are paid upfront by the landlord and billed with receipts within 14 days.
Do allowed fees have to be disclosed?
Yes. Every non-optional fee must be on the first page of the lease and disclosed in the listing or a linked page.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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