Renter’s Rights in Kankakee County

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

Tell us about the worst Landlords you have rented from. Be sure to tell us why they were so bad!

07/07/2026

Do you know the difference between a Service Animal and an ESA? Empower yourself with the right info when looking for a rental property.

Definitions:
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Provide comfort and companionship. Do not require specific training for tasks.
Can be any type of animal, including dogs, cats, and even pigs.

Service Animals:
Specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. Primarily dogs (and sometimes miniature horses) are recognized as service animals.
Tasks can include guiding the visually impaired, alerting the deaf, or assisting with mobility.

07/07/2026

What would you do in this situation? Is the landlord a complete jerk?

“When I purchased my home about two years ago, I bought a 4-unit building. My wife and I live in one unit, my sister has one unit, my mother has one unit, and one we continue to rent out. All 4 units were occupied when we purchased the building.

The former owner had a clause in their leases that either party could terminate their lease with 60 days written notice. We wanted to be as up-front with them as possible, so we notified them while we were having inspections done and such that we would be purchasing it to live in it, and would have to use that clause in the lease.

The day after we closed on the property, we delivered the notices to 3 tenants that they had 60 days to move out.

One moved out early, and we told them they could forgo the rent for the partial month they were there.

One moved out on time, and we helped them load their things into their U-Haul, since they were a pair of older women who were having trouble with it.

One did not move out in time, and we were in the process of starting eviction proceedings before they finally did.

I felt bad about all 3, but my own rental lease and my sister’s lease were expiring and we needed somewhere to live as well. It was not exactly a happy situation for anyone, but I tried to be understanding and helpful to all of them as we were navigating through it.”

03/05/2026

What does it mean to have a “safe, habitable” place to live in Illinois?

There is no definition of “habitability” in Illinois law, but several high-profile court cases have determined that a warranty of habitability is implied by things like building code. Since there’s no specific law about habitability in Illinois, renters should use the “common law” definition. One such definition comes from Cornell Law School, which defines a habitable residence as “A residence that is fit for human occupation and is free of serious defects that might pose a risk to one’s health and safety.” Additional requirements include “basic services (adequate heat, hot water, and plumbing) as well as a sound structure that does not pose unreasonable safety risks.”

Windows

Windows are not specifically addressed by Illinois’s habitability requirements. Local codes may have more information.

Doors

Illinois landlords must provide a deadbolt lock on each apartment door.

Elevators

Elevators are not specifically addressed by Illinois habitability requirements. Local codes may have more information.

Peepholes

Illinois landlords must provide a peephole or other viewing device on each apartment door.

Heat and Air Conditioning

Landlords are not required to provide heat or air conditioning by Illinois law, but if they do provide either, they must keep them in good repair. Though heat isn’t specifically mentioned, if an apartment is too cold to be safe then a landlord needs to make the repair as soon as reasonably possible.

Hot Water

Hot water is not specifically addressed by Illinois habitability requirements. Local codes may have more information.

03/03/2026

Can a tenant withhold last month's rent if a security deposit is in place?

01/15/2026

🔑 “Don’t Lose Your Deposit: Know Your Rights in Illinois!”

🏠 Security Deposit Law Explained
Did you know Illinois law protects renters when it comes to security deposits? Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Return Deadline
• If you move out and return the keys, your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days if there are deductions for damages (with an itemized list).
• If there are no deductions, the deposit must be returned within 45 days.

✅ Itemized Damage List
• If your landlord plans to keep part of your deposit for repairs, they must provide a written, itemized statement of damages within 30 days.
• If they fail to do this, they cannot keep any part of your deposit.

✅ Normal Wear & Tear
• Landlords cannot charge you for normal wear and tear (like faded paint or minor carpet wear).
• Charges must be for actual damage beyond normal use.

✅ Interest on Deposits
• In buildings with 25 or more units, landlords must pay annual interest on security deposits.

✅ What to Do if Your Deposit Isn’t Returned
• Send a written demand letter.
• If the landlord still refuses, you may be entitled to double the amount of the deposit plus legal fees under Illinois law.

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11/26/2025

This page is to discuss Renter’s Rights in the State of Illinois. Landlord-Tenant Laws do vary a bit from counties within Illinois. I am leaving the page public for now.

As I previously mentioned, I will be launching a page just for renters. That page will be private and vetted properly to ensure that no landlords or property management companies join. It will be a safe place to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly landlords of Kankakee County.

11/26/2025

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires landlords to accommodate tenants with an ESA. It also prohibits pet fees, pet rent, and most breed or weight restrictions. A valid ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional is required for FHA protection, ensuring landlords must accommodate your ESA, even in pet-restricted housing.