Illinois Repair & Habitability Laws
Illinois law requires landlords to maintain rental units in habitable condition, and tenants may invoke repair-and-deduct up to one month's rent if landlords fail to act after proper notice.
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Key Rules
- Repair And Deduct
- Yes — up to one month's rent after 14 days written notice (statewide)
- Rent Withholding
- Available in some circumstances after proper notice to landlord
- Habitability Standard
- Housing code compliance; essential services including heat (required minimum 68°F in winter)
- Heat Requirement
- Chicago RLTO: landlord must provide adequate heat (at least 68°F between 8:30 AM and 10:30 PM)
Applicable Statutes
Landlord's obligation to maintain habitable premises: landlord must comply with all applicable building codes materially affecting health and safety and maintain the dwelling unit in a habitable condition.
765 ILCS 735/2
Tenant's remedies: if landlord fails to repair after notice, tenant may repair and deduct the cost from rent (up to one month's rent) or terminate the rental agreement.
Legal Aid Resources
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