Who's Covered? A Guide to Understanding the Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance

The Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance went into effect June 1, 2021. The RTLO gives rights and responsibilities to tenants and landlords in Cook County. 

Am I covered under this law?

Almost all rental units in suburban Cook County are included (including mobile homes and subsidized units).

The following are not covered:

• Units in owner-occupied buildings with six or fewer units. 
• Units in hotels, motels, rooming houses, unless rent is paid on a monthly basis and unit is occupied for more than 32 days.
• School dormitory rooms, shelters, employee's quarters, non-residential rental properties, and owner-occupied co-ops.
• A single-family home or condominium if: 
  • The owner is only renting that one rental property, AND 
  • The owner or an immediate family member has lived in the home within the year
• Renters in Oak Park, Evanston, and Mount Prospect, because they have their own rental ordinances. 

Anti-Lockout law applies to everyone in Cook County.

However, the landlord cannot use self-help measures to kick the tenant out. Lockouts are illegal even if the tenant is not covered under the Cook County RTLO.