Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance: Understanding 30-day Notice for Terminating a Lease or Raising Rent

Under the Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance, the landlord must give 30 days of notice to terminate your lease or raise your rent if you have lived in your apartment/home for less than six months. 

Example of Improper Termination 

if you have lived in an apartment for 6 weeks, the landlord must give you 30 days notice to terminate the lease. If the landlord gave you notice on April 15 that you have until the end of April to move out, then the landlord has violated the Fair Notice Ordinance. The notice period ends on May 15. You can stay in the unit until May 15. After May 15, the landlord can filed a valid eviction. 

Example of Improper Increase of Rent

if you have lived in an apartment for 6 weeks, the landlord must give you 30 days notice to increase your rent. If the landlord gives you notice on April 15 that you would have to pay more rent for May, the landlord has violated the Fair Notice Ordinance. The notice period ends on May 15, so you can pay the same rent for May. After May 15, the increased rent is valid. Then, starting June, you would have to pay the increased rent. 

If the landlord did not give proper notice, then you can send a written response to the landlord about your rights under the Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance. 

View samples of letters you can send:

• Fair Notice Ordinance - 30 Days to Increase Rent
• Fair Notice Ordinance - 30 Days to Terminate Lease