Illinois expands landlord retaliation laws – who's next?

Starting January 1, 2025, Illinois housing providers will face stricter rules under the newly signed Landlord Retaliation Act.

The Landlord Retaliation Act extends tenant protections beyond those offered by Illinois's previous Retaliatory Eviction Act, which was passed in 1963. The original law only barred housing providers from evicting tenants for reporting code violations to government agencies.

The updated version covers a broader range of targeted tenant activities, including:

• The aforementioned reporting of code violations to a government agency or official

• Complaining about code violations or illegal practices to a community organization

• Requesting necessary repairs from their landlord

• Joining or forming tenants' unions

• Testifying in court regarding the condition of the rental property

• Exercising any other “right or remedy provided by law”

And it’s not just eviction that Illinois tenants will be protected from. Landlords and property managers also won’t be able to raise rent, cut services, bring lawsuits, or refuse lease renewals in response to these actions.

The passing of the Illinois Landlord Retaliation Act  could inspire other states to revisit and strengthen their own existing landlord retaliation laws. Property managers should keep an eye on their local laws to remain compliant, as more states could soon follow Illinois’ lead.

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