The RLTO sets specific notice requirements for lease termination and non-renewal. Landlords must provide advance written notice before ending or changing a tenancy, and under the 2023 Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance, landlords must have a valid reason to refuse renewal.
The RLTO requires landlords to provide written notice before terminating or refusing to renew a lease. For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must give at least 30 days written notice before the end of the rental period. For yearly leases, the landlord must give at least 60 days written notice before the lease expiration date. If proper notice is not given, the tenancy continues on the same terms.
Under the 2023 Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance, landlords cannot simply refuse to renew a lease without a valid reason. This means that even when a lease expires, the landlord must have a legally recognized just cause to decline renewal. Tenants who are paying rent and complying with their lease are protected from arbitrary non-renewal.
Chicago does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization, so landlords can propose rent increases at lease renewal. However, the increase must be communicated with proper notice, and under the Just Cause ordinance, a landlord cannot use an unreasonable rent increase as a pretext to force a tenant out. If you believe a proposed increase is retaliatory or designed to push you out, consult a tenant rights organization.
The RLTO prohibits certain lease provisions. Clauses that waive the tenant's RLTO rights are void and unenforceable. Clauses requiring tenants to pay the landlord's attorney fees in all disputes, requiring tenants to waive their right to a jury trial, or authorizing the landlord to confess judgment on behalf of the tenant are all prohibited. If your lease contains these clauses, they cannot be enforced against you.
2 questions answered
Under Chicago's Just Cause ordinance, landlords cannot refuse to renew a lease without a valid just cause. They must provide notice of non-renewal: 30 days for tenancies under 6 months, 60 days for 6 months to 3 years, and 120 days for 3+ years.
The RLTO requires at least 2 days written notice before entry except in emergencies. Repeated unauthorized entry can be grounds for lease termination and damages.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a qualified attorney or one of the free legal services listed above.