Illinois landlord repair timeline
How long does a landlord in Illinois have to repair?
The clock most states set starts at the tenant’s written notice. Here is what the statute says, with the official source. It is general information, not legal advice.
- What it sets
- Repair and deduct for repairs under $500 or half a month’s rent, whichever is less, 14 days after written notice; Chicago adds its own heat rules
- Statute
- 765 ILCS 742/5
- Official source
- Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act
Not an emergency service. For a fire, a gas leak or anyone in danger, call 911 or the gas utility.
What Illinois law says, line by line
Each line restates the text it cites. Check the current version before you rely on it.
Repair and deduct covers repairs costing no more than $500 or half a month’s rent, whichever is less.
765 ILCS 742/5The tenant’s notice goes by registered or certified mail, or another restricted delivery, to the address on the lease.
765 ILCS 742/5The landlord has 14 days after notice, or less in an emergency.
765 ILCS 742/5An emergency includes a condition that will cause irreparable harm to the unit or a fixture if not fixed right away, or an immediate threat to anyone’s health or safety.
765 ILCS 742/5The tenant deducts only a paid bill from a tradesperson unrelated to them, at no more than the customary price.
765 ILCS 742/5
Checked October 21, 2026
Turn the statute into your own response times
City rules and your leases can be stricter than the state. Write your times as the strictest of the three.
- Count from when the tenant told you, because many deadlines start at notice
- Put heat, water, power and anything dangerous at the top, day or night
- Ask for notice in writing, and reply in writing, so the record exists if anyone asks
- Record every step with a time: the first reply, the booking, the visit and the confirmation
A question managers ask about Illinois
The Act includes conditions that will cause irreparable harm to the apartment or a fixture if not repaired right away, and any condition that is an immediate threat to the health or safety of an occupant. In an emergency the landlord gets less than the usual 14 days.
Managing in another state? Pick it hereThe same leak can have a different clock across a state line.
The clock starts at the tenant’s notice Ours answers at any hour