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Tenant Screening Laws in Illinois

Illinois state law doesn't address the approval process for a rental, meaning landlords can charge what they like for application fees.

Although Illinois state law addresses a range of rental issues—including security deposits and breaking a lease early—it doesn’t have anything specific to say about the tenant screening process or rental application fees. That means there is no legal limit to how much a landlord can charge for an application fee.

That said, there are federal laws that govern the rental application process that apply to every landlord in the U.S. In addition, Illinois has its own state-wide fair housing law, which offers more protection to tenants than the national Fair Housing Act. The state law prevents landlords from discriminating on the basis of age, military status, and more when screening potential tenants.

What Is the Approval Process for an Apartment?
Fair Housing Laws in the U.S.
What Do Landlords Look for in a Credit Report?

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.