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Illinois late fee law

How much a landlord can charge as a late fee in Illinois, whether there's a required grace period, and the rule that controls — verified July 2026.

Best-effort summary, verified July 2026. Late-fee rules change and cities can add stricter local caps a summary can't capture. Confirm with the linked source or a licensed attorney. This is not legal advice.
Maximum late fee
No statewide cap
Required grace period
None required statewide
Controlling rule
No statewide statute; Chicago Mun. Code § 5-12-140(h)

Late fee limit in Illinois

No statewide cap (reasonableness); Chicago RLTO caps at $10 for the first $500 of rent plus 5% of any amount above $500. Cook County and some municipalities have their own ordinances; statewide fees must reflect actual damages.

Grace period

None required statewide. Read No statewide statute; Chicago Mun. Code § 5-12-140(h) for the exact conditions.

Put a number on it

Use our free late fee calculator to work out the charge from your lease terms, or compare every state in the late fee laws by state directory.

Frequently asked questions

Can a landlord charge a late fee in Illinois?

Yes, if the written lease provides for it. Illinois limits the amount: No statewide cap (reasonableness); Chicago RLTO caps at $10 for the first $500 of rent plus 5% of any amount above $500.. Cook County and some municipalities have their own ordinances; statewide fees must reflect actual damages. Verified July 2026 against No statewide statute; Chicago Mun. Code § 5-12-140(h) — confirm with the current statute or an attorney.

How much can a late fee be in Illinois?

No statewide cap (reasonableness); Chicago RLTO caps at $10 for the first $500 of rent plus 5% of any amount above $500.

Is there a grace period for rent in Illinois?

None required statewide.

What statute governs late fees in Illinois?

No statewide statute; Chicago Mun. Code § 5-12-140(h). The source is published at https://tenantscreeningbackgroundcheck.com/illinois-late-fee-laws/.

Is this legal advice?

No. This is a best-effort summary compiled from a cited source and verified July 2026. Late-fee rules change and some cities add stricter local caps a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.

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Late fee law in every state

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Free reference by Hatchkeep — property management software, free for 50 properties and unlimited units. Related: late fee calculator · deposit laws by state · rent receipt generator