Navigating Illinois pet rent laws is now more important than ever as pet-friendly rentals surge across the state. Whether you’re a renter figuring out what pet fees in Illinois cost, or a landlord looking to set fair, compliant pet policies, 2025 brings clearer rules and higher expectations. LeaseRunner’s guide explains pet fee and deposit rules in simple terms, helping tenants avoid hidden costs and prevent disputes. It also highlights landlords’ responsibilities when renting to pet owners and provides practical legal tips to stay compliant.
Overview of Pet Rent Rules in Illinois
Illinois outlines clear expectations for pet-related charges in rental housing. This section helps you understand how Illinois pet rent laws work before delving into more detailed information.
Is Pet Rent Allowed in Illinois?
Yes, the pet rent is legal in Illinois. Under current Illinois pet rent laws, housing providers can collect monthly pet rent if the lease states it clearly. As Illinois is known as landlord-friendly state, it gives owners more flexibility in setting pet fees and deposits.
Federal protections still apply. Under the Fair Housing Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act:
- Owners cannot charge pet rent, deposits, or fees for service animals.
- Emotional support animals must also be exempt from all pet-related charges.
Pet-friendly rental laws in Illinois set clear rules. They require landlords to list all extra pet charges in the lease to avoid disputes. For renters trying to understand if landlords in Illinois can charge pet rent, the answer is straightforward: they may do so as long as the amount is reasonable and clearly stated in the agreement.
Current Legal Status (2025 Update)
As of 2025,General rental rules shape Illinois’ pet rent laws rather than a dedicated statewide statute. The state does not cap pet rent or require landlords to choose only one type of pet-related charge.
Here are the main points renters and landlords should know:
- A proposed bill for pet rentals (Senate Bill 1669) aims to define pet fees and recurring pet rent, including possible caps. The bill is still in committee.
- Until it passes, owners follow existing pet rent rules in Illinois, local ordinances, and federal disability laws.
- Assistance animals remain fully exempt from any pet rent or fees.
These guidelines fit within the broader landscape of new Illinois rental laws in 2025. Pet rules rely on contract clarity rather than a dedicated statewide limit.
Pet Fee and Deposits Limits in Illinois
Understanding Illinois pet rent laws helps both landlords and tenants know how deposits, pet rent, and fees work in the state. The rules are simple at the state level, but local laws may add extra requirements. Below is a clear breakdown of how fees and deposits are handled.
Security Deposit Caps in Illinois
State rules do not set a statewide security deposit limit. The state’s Security Deposit Laws also do not include a one-month cap deposit, so landlords may collect more than one month’s rent. A pet deposit limit in Illinois does not exist at the state level. Any refundable pet amount must follow the same procedures that apply to security deposits, including timelines and itemized deductions.
A few points to remember:
- A pet deposit is refundable if the unit has no pet damage.
- The state does not define a standard pet deposit for rentals, so it depends on the lease.
- Local ordinances may set stricter rules on how deposits are collected and returned.
Rules on Pet Rent Charges
Illinois does not set a statewide cap on pet rent. Landlords can charge a reasonable amount if the lease states it clearly. The state also does not use Rent Control Laws. These laws normally restrict rent increases, but Illinois does not use them. As a result, pet rent is determined by the lease terms and any local regulations, rather than a statewide cap.
This gives housing providers broad flexibility when setting pet-related charges, provided the terms are transparent and written in the contract.
Here are the main points to keep in mind:
- Pet rent must be listed in the lease.
- Charges must be applied fairly and consistently.
- Local ordinances may add extra conditions.
Non-Refundable Pet Fees in Illinois
Illinois allows landlords to charge a non-refundable pet fee. This fee is separate from deposits and is not returned at move-out. When comparing a pet fee vs a deposit in Illinois, the fee is permanent, while the deposit is returned if no damage occurs.
The core rule is simple:
- Pet refundable deposits must follow the state’s return rules.
- Fees must be clearly labeled as non-refundable pet fees in Illinois.
- No pet fees of any kind can be charged for service animals or ESAs.
Local Ordinances in Illinois
Local rules can affect how deposits and fees are handled. Some cities apply stricter standards even though the state does not set specific limits.
Examples:
- Chicago RLTO: Treats all refundable amounts, including pet deposits, as security deposits with strict rules on how they are held and returned.
- Cook County RTLO: Caps total deposits at 1.5 times rent. This includes any refundable pet-related amount. Fees that act like deposits must follow the same rules.
Tenants should check local laws because they may change how deposits are managed.
Assistance Animals Rule in Illinois
Assistance animals follow different rules from normal pets in Illinois. These protections guide how landlords handle requests and what fees they can charge.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in Illinois
Under Illinois pet rent laws, an emotional support animal is treated as an assistance animal. Federal rules and state fair housing protections require landlords to allow ESAs when a renter needs one to use and enjoy their home. These standards also follow the ESA definition of FHA, ensuring consistent protection across all rental properties governed by assistance animal housing requirements.
In Illinois, an ESA does not need special training. It only needs to support a disability clearly and helpfully. When a renter meets these rules, the ESA is not seen as a pet. This helps renters understand how state law emotional support animal protections work. During tenant screening, landlords typically review pet criteria and verify required documents, so ESA requests must also be evaluated fairly under Tenant Screening Laws to ensure compliance with disability accommodations.
A few key points:
- ESAs must give disability-related support.
- Buildings with “no-pet” rules must still allow them.
- These rules match the service animal definition housing Illinois guidance.
When Landlords Cannot Charge Pet Rent or Fees
Under Illinois pet rent laws, landlords cannot charge extra fees for assistance animals. This includes ESAs and service animals. They are disability accommodations, not pets. Because of this, there is no pet rent for ESA, and no added pet deposits, cleaning fees, or monthly pet charges. This follows the federal rule that prohibits fees for assistance animals and supports the standards used in reasonable accommodation pet housing.
Landlords may still charge for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear. But they cannot ask for a pet fee and a pet deposit in advance. All charges must be based on real repairs, not “possible” future damage.
Two simple rules:
- No advance fees for ESAs.
- Damage charges must be real and documented.
Acceptable Verification & Documentation in Illinois
Under pet rent laws, landlords may ask for verification when the disability is not obvious. This step must follow the verification process assistance animal, which protects both the renter and the housing provider. A licensed healthcare professional must confirm two things:
- The renter has a disability.
- The animal provides needed support.
The letter does not need a special format. It must only show that the ESA is tied to the renter’s disability. This process also aligns with the ESA laws in Illinois, helping landlords review requests fairly and legally.
The ESA letter used for verification does not need a special format. It only needs to show that the emotional support animal is connected to the renter’s disability. This aligns with ESA laws in Illinois and helps landlords review requests fairly and legally.
Important notes:
- Landlords cannot ask for medical details or a diagnosis.
- Online “certificates” without a treatment relationship may be questioned.
- They cannot charge a pet deposit for an emotional support animal, as this is considered an illegal fee.
Once the renter provides proper documentation, landlords must treat the ESA as an approved accommodation and remove all pet-related fees.
Rights and Responsibilities for Landlord and Tenants
Both landlords and tenants in Illinois must follow clear rules when pets are allowed in a rental unit. These rules help prevent disputes and support fair treatment for both sides.
Landlord Duties Under Illinois Law
Landlords must outline landlord obligations for pets in the lease. All fees must be written and disclosed upfront. Owners must also follow notice requirements and security deposit rules when handling deposits that include pet-related deductions.
Landlords must follow Illinois non-discrimination housing laws. They must also respect a tenant’s right to reasonable accommodation when the tenant needs a service animal or an emotional support animal. These animals cannot be charged pet rent or pet fees.
A landlord cannot do anything outside of what the law allows, such as adding surprise charges or applying rules unfairly. Some owners include pet liability insurance for renters in the lease to reduce risk. This risk includes pet injuries, damage to the unit, or harm to other tenants. The insurance helps cover these costs if an incident happens. When the terms are clear, both sides understand their responsibilities and avoid disputes.
Tenant Rights and Obligations
Illinois pet rent laws include protections that prevent tenants from facing unfair charges or discriminatory pet rules. They must follow the lease, including any size or dog breed restrictions in Illinois. This helps avoid policy violations.
Renters must care for their animals and prevent damage. Small marks or light scuffs count as normal wear and tear, but damage beyond that is the tenant’s responsibility.
Some tenants ask, “Can you get evicted for dog sitting?” If a building has a strict no-pet policy, bringing in an animal without approval can violate the lease. Tenants should always ask first.
Tenant obligations include:
- Following all pet rules listed in the lease
- Paying any stated pet rent or deposits on time
- Preventing noise, damage, and disturbances
Managing Pet-Related Damages and Deductions
Pet-related deductions must follow Illinois deposit rules and eviction laws. Landlords may only deduct the cost of real damage caused by pets. They must send an itemized list within 30 days and return any remaining deposit within 45 days.
If there is a dispute, tenants can request proof, repair invoices, or photos. When violations continue, landlords must follow notice to quit laws, which require written notice before any further action.
To avoid conflicts:
- Landlords should document the unit before and after the tenancy
- Tenants should report issues early and keep records of pet care
This approach helps both sides follow Illinois pet rent laws while maintaining a fair and transparent process.
Practical Steps to Prevent Disputes for Landlords
Clear rules help landlords avoid confusion, protect their units, and stay aligned with Illinois pet rent laws. The steps below offer simple ways to prevent disagreements before they begin.
1. State Clear Pet Terms in the Lease
A clear lease is the strongest tool to prevent issues. When pet terms are written in plain language, both sides know what to expect.
Use a structured lease clause pets Illinois that explains:
- Monthly pet rent amounts under the pet rent laws
- Limits on size, breed, or number of pets
- Refundable deposits and any non-refundable fees
- Rules for noise, behavior, and waste
Attach a detailed pet addendum template for Illinois to keep pet rules separate from other terms. A pet policy lease sample helps you maintain consistency across all units.
To simplify paperwork, collect documents through an online rental application. Lease Runner’s digital platform lets landlords gather pet details fast, stay paperless, and store all files securely.
2. Document Unit Condition at Move-In/Move-Out
Good documentation protects both parties. It creates proof of the unit’s condition and prevents confusion about damage.
For move-in, complete a move-in inspection of pets in Illinois with photos or video. Check floors, walls, doors, and outdoor areas. At move-out, repeat the process with a move-out walkthrough of pets using the same checklist. Compare notes to see what changed. If a tenant leaves belongings behind, handle them according to Abandoned Property Laws to avoid liability.
3. Communicate Pet Expectations Early
Start pet discussions before approval. Clear communication reduces surprises and builds trust.
During screening:
- Explain all pet rules and monthly charges under Illinois pet rent laws
- Clarify the difference between pets and assistance animals
- Outline required documents, like vet records or behavior notes
Landlords should verify all information with tenant background screening through LeaseRunner. This helps confirm details, check records, and ensure the applicant meets policy requirements.
4. Keep Itemized Records of Pet-Related Charges
Accurate records make deposit deductions fair and transparent. They also help landlords follow Illinois security deposit rules.
Keep these items organized:
- Invoices and receipts for pet-related repairs
- Before-and-after photos
- Notes tied to the pet addendum template in Illinois and inspection forms
Track pet rent separately from base rent. This creates clarity if questions come up later.
5. Standardize Pet Procedures With Digital Tools
A consistent process prevents errors. It also keeps your enforcement of Illinois pet rent laws uniform.
Platforms like LeaseRunner landlords:
- Collect pet details through an online rental application
- Verify applicants with tenant background screening
- Attach a pet policy lease sample to every lease
- Store inspection files for move-in inspection pets in Illinois and move-out walkthrough pets in one place
Standardizing these steps makes your workflow smoother and reduces disputes related to pets, deposits, and fees.
Conclusions
Understanding Illinois pet rent laws gives both renters and landlords the confidence to create fair, transparent, and pet-friendly living arrangements. With clear lease terms, proper documentation, and compliance with federal protections, most issues can be avoided before they begin. As Illinois continues refining rental standards, staying informed is the best way to protect your rights - and your home. For clearer guidance and reliable legal tools, visit LeaseRunner’s law resources to stay fully compliant.
FAQs
What is the new pet rent law in Illinois?
Illinois has no statewide pet rent law. Landlords may set their own pet rent, pet deposits, or pet fees as long as these terms are written in the lease. However, service animals and emotional support animals cannot be charged under federal fair housing rules, even in no-pet buildings.
What is the maximum amount a landlord can charge for pet rent in Illinois?
Illinois does not set a maximum pet rent amount. Landlords can charge any reasonable monthly pet rent if it is disclosed in the lease. Local rules may add protections, and assistance animals are exempt from all pet-related charges under federal law.
Can a landlord break a lease for pets in Illinois?
Yes. A landlord may end a lease if a tenant violates the pet terms, such as keeping an unapproved pet, causing property damage, or breaking written pet rules. The landlord must follow Illinois’s legal eviction process and provide proper notice before taking any action.
Can I get evicted for pet sitting in Illinois?
Yes. Pet sitting can lead to eviction if it violates the lease, especially in no-pet units or when extra animals are not approved. Landlords must give written notice and follow Illinois’s court eviction procedures. Assistance animals are handled differently and cannot trigger pet-based violations.
