Scored 8/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Fees & Landlords Bill
Illinois bill bans hidden rental fees and limits what landlords can charge
RES RENTAL FEE FAIRNESS ACT
Good for everyday people ·
This bill would stop landlords from charging surprise fees like admin charges, pet fees, and eviction penalties, and forces all costs onto the first page of a lease so tenants know exactly what they're paying upfront.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
Renters in Illinois get hammered with hidden fees, for renewing a lease, for contacting the landlord, even for being evicted. This bill says: no more. Every cost must be on page one in plain language, and a bunch of sneaky charges are banned outright. Late fees cap at $25 and only kick in after 7 days. Pet fees disappear. Renewal fees? Gone. The landlord can't force you to hire an agent either. Right now, this is in committee, it's the moment to push it forward because landlords will lobby hard to kill it once the real estate industry wakes up.
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The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- All rental fees must be listed on the first page of the lease in plain language
- Tenants don't have to pay any fee not disclosed upfront
- Late fees can't exceed $25 and don't apply if rent is paid within 7 days
- Landlords can't charge admin fees to renew a lease, modify it, or contact them
- Pet occupancy fees are banned
- Security deposits can't exceed one month's rent
- Move-in and move-out fees are capped at 20% of the first month's rent
- Tenants can't be forced to hire a real estate agent to rent
- Landlords can't charge a fee or penalty for an eviction notice or action
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the Illinois Bill Book 2026
The best and worst Illinois bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
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