Illinois Rent Grace Period

How Illinois compares

14 of 51 US jurisdictions mandate a general statewide grace period before late fees; elsewhere any grace period is local, conditional, or set by the lease. Here is how Illinois compares with other states in our database.

Frequently asked questions

How many days late can rent be before fees in Illinois?

Illinois's 5-day grace period applies only under Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance — Illinois has no statewide statutory grace period; for other tenancies the lease controls. Must be reasonable. Chicago RLTO requires 5-day grace period and limits late fee to $10/month for first $500 of rent plus 5% of amount over $500.

How large can the late fee itself be in Illinois?

Illinois sets no statutory percentage cap on late fees, but fees must be reasonable.

Can a landlord charge a late fee the day after rent is due in Illinois?

Potentially yes — the 5-day grace period applies only under Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance — Illinois has no statewide statutory grace period. Outside those cases, your lease controls.