Housing assistance in Illinois

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Illinois

Key tenant laws in Illinois

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statewide cap. Some local ordinances set limits, for example 1.5 times the monthly rent in Evanston and suburban Cook County. Landlords with 25 or more units on a property must pay interest on deposits held more than 6 months (public housing is excluded).

765 ILCS 715/1; local ordinances

Deposit return deadline

To keep any part of the deposit for damage, the landlord must give the tenant an itemized statement of the damage and costs, with paid receipts, within 30 days after move-out. Otherwise the full deposit must be returned within 45 days. Since January 1, 2024 (P.A. 103-224), this applies to all residential rentals; it used to cover only buildings with 5 or more units. A landlord who acts in bad faith can owe twice the deposit plus court costs and attorney fees.

765 ILCS 710/1

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

Written demand giving at least 5 days after service to pay the rent due, or the lease ends. To keep partial payments from cancelling the notice, it must prominently state that only FULL PAYMENT of the rent demanded will stop the landlord from ending the lease, unless the landlord agrees in writing to accept a partial payment.

735 ILCS 5/9-209

Landlord entry notice

No statewide statute; check the lease. No notice is needed for emergency repairs. Local ordinances require 2 days' notice in Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park and suburban Cook County, and 24 hours' notice in Urbana.

No state statute; local ordinances

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control: no unit of local government, including home rule cities such as Chicago, may control the amount of rent charged for private residential property.

50 ILCS 825/5, 825/10 (Rent Control Preemption Act)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Repair-and-deduct is allowed for required repairs costing no more than $500 or half a month's rent, whichever is less. The tenant must send written notice by certified or registered mail, and the landlord then has 14 days to make the repair (less in an emergency). The work must be done by a licensed, insured professional, and the tenant deducts the paid bill. This does not apply to public housing, condominiums, co-ops or owner-occupied buildings with 6 or fewer units. Chicago and some other cities have broader rules.

765 ILCS 742/5, 742/10, 742/15

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Illinois

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Illinois resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. 765 ILCS 710 Security Deposit Return ActIllinois General Assembly
2. Public Act 103-0224 (SB1741)Illinois General Assembly
3. 765 ILCS 715 Security Deposit Interest ActIllinois General Assembly
4. 735 ILCS 5/9-209 Demand for rent - eviction actionIllinois General Assembly
5. 50 ILCS 825 Rent Control Preemption ActIllinois General Assembly
6. 765 ILCS 742 Residential Tenants' Right to Repair ActIllinois General Assembly
7. 765 ILCS 705 Landlord and Tenant ActIllinois General Assembly
8. Paying a security deposit (FAQ)Illinois Legal Aid Online
9. Rental repair rights and landlord access (FAQ)Illinois Legal Aid Online
10. Rental junk fee ban (FAQ)Illinois Legal Aid Online
11. Dealing with unpaid rent (FAQ)Illinois Legal Aid Online
12. Illinois Legal Aid OnlineIllinois Legal Aid Online
13. Utility Bill Assistance (LIHEAP)Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
14. Court-Based Rental Assistance ProgramIllinois Housing Development Authority
15. Chicago Housing AuthorityChicago Housing Authority
16. Housing Authority of Cook CountyHousing Authority of Cook County
17. DuPage & Kendall Housing AuthorityDuPage Housing Authority
18. Lake County Housing AuthorityLake County Housing Authority