Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance: Understanding 60-day Notice for Terminating a Lease or Raising Rent

Under the Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance, the landlord must give 60 days of notice to terminate your lease or raise your rent if you have lived in your apartment/home for more than 6 months and less than 3 years. 

Example of Improper Termination 

if you have lived in an apartment for 1 year, the landlord must give you 60 days notice to terminate the lease. If the landlord gave you notice on April 15 that you have 30 days to move out, then the landlord has violated the Fair Notice Ordinance. The notice period ends 60 days after the notice. You can stay in the unit until June 14. After June 14, the landlord can filed a valid eviction. 

Example of Improper Increase of Rent

if you have lived in an apartment for 1 year, the landlord must give you 60 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 60 days after the notice. The notice period would end June 14. So, you can pay the same rent for May and June. After June 14, the increased rent is valid. Then, starting July, 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 - 60 Days to Increase Rent
• Fair Notice Ordinance - 60 Days to Terminate Lease