Understanding Tenant Rights: Landlord Entry into Rental Property

General Illinois law does not have specific rules regarding landlords' rights to enter their unit.

• Landlords can enter the rental property without the tenant's permission when there is an emergency. However, it's considered good practice to come to an agreement with the tenant on notification policies. 24 hours is generally reasonable notice.
• Landlords can enter without the tenant present.
• Landlords can show an occupied house to prospective tenants or buyers.
• There are no specific limits on how often landlords can enter for inspections.
• Landlords can notify tenants verbally or in writing about an intention to enter.

Can a tenant refuse entry to a landlord?

• Illinois tenants can refuse when they believe in good faith that the entry is unreasonable (for example, showing the property at 2:00 AM). However, if the landlord disagrees, they might give the tenant a 10-day notice for a lease violation and attempt eviction.
• Tenants can change the locks without the landlord's permission if the lease doesn't prohibit that. However, the landlord still has a right to enter for specific reasons, so it's recommended that tenants provide copies of current keys.

No person shall make an entry into lands or tenements except in cases where entry is allowed by law, and in such cases he or she shall not enter with force, but in a peaceable manner. 735 ILCS 5/9-101.