Gov. JB Pritzker Signs Law to Protect Tenants from Retaliation

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to prohibit landlords from retaliating against their tenants. The new legislation, known as the Landlord Retaliation Act, aims to protect tenants who raise concerns about their living conditions.

Under the new law, landlords are banned from terminating leases, increasing rent, decreasing services, or threatening lawsuits in response to tenant complaints. The law also prevents landlords from refusing to renew a lease after a tenant complains about code violations or seeks help from elected leaders.

“With fear of retaliation, tenants would rather stay in inadequate living conditions than speak up,” said Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “This cannot continue. Tenants spend their hard-earned money on rent. At minimum, they should be confident when taking actions to ensure that their home is properly maintained.”

The Landlord Retaliation Act specifically prohibits landlords from knowingly terminating or refusing to renew a lease, increasing rent, decreasing services, or threatening a lawsuit after tenants seek assistance to ensure their housing is safe and habitable. Protected actions by the tenant include:

• Making requests for repairs
• Complaining about code violations
• Organizing or being a member of a tenant union
• Testifying in an official proceeding
• Seeking assistance from elected officials
• Exercising any other right provided by law

The Illinois Rental Property Owners Association stands opposed to the bill, arguing that it could lead to fewer options for affordable housing.

House Bill 4768 passed the Senate with a 34-19 vote, with two senators voting present. The legislation passed the House with a 63-38 vote, with one representative voting present.

The new law takes effect January 1.