Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance: Understanding 120-day Notice for Terminating a Lease or Raising Rent

Under the Chicago Fair Notice Ordinance, the landlord must give 120 days of notice to terminate your lease or raise your rent if you have lived in your apartment/home for more than 3 years. 

Example of Improper Termination 

if you have lived in an apartment for 4 years, the landlord must give you 120 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 120 days after the notice. You can stay in the unit until August 13. After August 13, the landlord can filed a valid eviction. 

Example of Improper Increase of Rent

if you have lived in an apartment for 4 years, the landlord must give you 120 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 120 days after the notice. The notice period would end August 13. So, you can pay the same rent for May, June, July, and August. After August 13, the increased rent is valid. Then, starting September, 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 - 120 Days to Increase Rent
• Fair Notice Ordinance - 120 Days to Terminate Lease