Illinois Late Rent Fee Rules

What Illinois law says

• AG page, under landlord rights: a landlord may charge a reasonable fee for late rent.
• The page gives no statute citation for the late fee rule.
• The page does not state a grace period before a late fee.
• The page does not state a statutory dollar or percentage cap.
• The page recommends consulting local ordinances.

Steps for a landlord

• Put the late fee terms in a written lease.
• Keep the fee reasonable.
• Check local ordinances for fee limits.
• Ask an attorney if unsure what is reasonable.

What to put in the notice

• The lease clause that allows the late fee
• The rent due date and any grace period
• The late fee amount and the total now owed
• How and where the tenant can pay
• The date and your signature

Things to watch

• The page we read does not say what is reasonable or any grace period; check the statute or a local attorney.
• Cities and counties may set their own limits.
• Cities and counties can add their own rules, including rent control and extra notice requirements. Check your local rules too.

About this page

We checked this page against the official sources listed below in November 2026. Where an official page did not say something, we say so. Laws change and courts read them differently, so confirm the current rule with the statute, the court or a local attorney before you act. This is general information, not legal advice.