Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-150
Prohibition on retaliatory conduct by landlord (Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO))
Operative Text
It is declared to be against public policy of the City of Chicago for a landlord to take retaliatory action against a tenant, except for violation of a rental agreement or violation of a law or ordinance. A landlord may not knowingly terminate a tenancy, increase rent, decrease services, bring or threaten to bring a lawsuit against a tenant for possession or refuse to renew a lease or tenancy because the tenant has in good faith: (a) Complained of code violations applicable to the premises to a competent governmental agency, elected representative or public official charged with responsibility for enforcement of a building, housing, health or similar code; or (b) Complained of a building, housing, health or similar code violation or an illegal landlord practice to a community organization or the news media; or (c) Sought the assistance of a community organization or the news media to remedy a code violation or illegal landlord practice; or (d) Requested the landlord to make repairs to the premises as required by a building code, health ordinance, other regulation, or the residential rental agreement; or (e) Becomes a member of a tenant's union or similar organization; or (f) Testified in any court or administrative proceeding concerning the condition of the premises; or (g) Exercised any right or remedy provided by law. If the landlord acts in violation of this section, the tenant has a defense in any retaliatory action against him for possession and is entitled to the following remedies: he shall recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover an amount equal to and not more than two months' rent or twice the damages sustained by him, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorneys' fees. If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return all security and interest recoverable under Section 5-12-080 and all prepaid rent. In an action by or against the tenant, if there is evidence of tenant conduct protected herein within one year prior to the alleged act of retaliation, that evidence shall create a rebuttable presumption that the landlord's conduct was retaliatory. The presumption shall not arise if the protected tenant activity was initiated after the alleged act of retaliation. (Prior code § 193.1-15; Added Coun. J. 9-8-86, p. 33771; Amend Coun. J. 11-6-91, p. 7196)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-150 establishes that it is against Chicago public policy for a landlord to take adverse action—such as terminating a tenancy, raising rent, reducing services, or refusing to renew a lease—because a tenant engaged in protected activities like reporting code violations, requesting repairs, joining a tenant organization, or testifying in a legal proceeding. The provision creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation when a landlord acts adversely within one year of a tenant's protected conduct. A tenant who prevails may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and receive up to two months' rent or twice actual damages, whichever is greater, along with reasonable attorneys' fees.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-150, compliant property operators are careful to document legitimate, non-retaliatory business reasons—such as lease violations or lawful rent adjustments—before taking any adverse action against a tenant. Because the ordinance creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation when adverse action follows protected tenant activity within one year, operators generally maintain thorough records of maintenance requests, inspection reports, and rent-setting practices. Familiarity with the full list of protected tenant activities outlined in § 5-12-150 helps operators avoid conduct that could be characterized as retaliatory.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-150 protects tenants who, in good faith, report code violations, request repairs, join tenant organizations, or exercise other legal rights from adverse landlord actions taken in response to that conduct. If a landlord takes adverse action within one year of such protected activity, § 5-12-150 provides that a rebuttable presumption of retaliation arises, which can serve as a defense in an eviction proceeding or support a claim for damages up to two months' rent or twice actual damages, plus attorneys' fees. Tenants who believe they are experiencing retaliation may consider raising this provision as a defense in court, filing a complaint with the Chicago Department of Housing, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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