Protect Tenants from Unfair and Excessive Fees

Renters in Illinois are facing an uphill battle against unjust fees that drive up the cost of housing and create barriers to finding a safe and affordable place to live. That’s why Illinois lawmakers are taking action by introducing the Tenant Fees Limitation Act (HB3564), a bill to ensure transparency and fairness for renters across the state.

Right now, tenants are being charged arbitrary fees for background checks, move-ins, and applications—fees that can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of renting a home. These financial burdens disproportionately harm low-income renters and create unnecessary obstacles for families trying to secure stable housing.

The Tenant Fees Limitation Act (HB3564) will:

• Eliminate certain junk fees, such as fees for routine maintenance, lock-outs, walk-throughs, and online portals.
• Allow landlords to charge either a move-in fee or a security deposit, not both.
  Requires landlords to show a receipt of move-in fees with reasonable cost.

• Require all fees to be disclosed on the first page of the lease agreement to be enforceable.

• Caps background check fees at $50 or the actual cost, whichever is less.
  

This bill is a critical step in addressing the affordability crisis by ensuring that renters are not exploited by unnecessary fees.

Stand with renters and urge your legislators to support HB3564. Let them know that housing is a human right, and Illinois must take action to make renting fair and affordable for all