Chicago
Municipal housing and tenant protection ordinances
Rules (131)
Hazardous vacant buildings – Warning placard for first responders authorized when – Unlawful acts
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-12 § 13-12-148– 13-20-230 Reserved
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-170Scope
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-500Definitions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-510Penalties
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-520Original and subsequent inspections
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-530Permit inspection fees
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-540Permits required
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-550Public way use permits – Required
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-555Permit application
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-560Permits – Term
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-565Drawings
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-570Limitations
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-580Construction contrary to permit
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-590Suspension of permit privileges
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-600Unlawful transfer or use of registration or license
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-601Suspension or revocation of license, registration or certification
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-605Display of permits
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-610Display of permit numbers for off-premise signs
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-620Additional penalties for continued use of a sign without a permit or where the sign permit has been rescinded or revoked
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-625Permit rescission
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-630Permit revocation – Signs and sign elements
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-640Procedure for revocation or rescission of a permit
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-645Height and location
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-650Restricted locations
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-660Dimensions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-670Dynamic image display signs – additional standards
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-675Council approval
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-680Obstruction of streets
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-690Insurance and indemnification
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-700Construction standards
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-710General restrictions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-720Notice of non-compliance
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-730Posting non-compliance notice
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-740Demolition
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-750Abandoned signs and structures
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-760Removal of sign or structure
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-770Title, purpose and scope
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-010Exclusions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-020Definitions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-030Tenant responsibilities
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-040Landlord's right of access
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-050Remedies for improper denial of access
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-060Landlord's responsibility to maintain
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-070Security deposits
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-080Interest rate on security deposits
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-081Interest rate notification
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-082Identification of owner and agents
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-090Tenants' notification of foreclosure action
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-095Notice of conditions affecting habitability
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-100Bed bugs – Education
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-101Tenant remedies
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-110Subleases
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-120Landlord remedies
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-130Jackson Park Expanded Fair Notice Pilot Program
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-135Rental agreement
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-140Prohibition on retaliatory conduct by landlord
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-150Prohibition on interruption of tenant occupancy by landlord
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-160Summary of ordinance attached to rental agreement
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-170Attorney's fees
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-180Rights and remedies under other laws
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-190Severability
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12 § 5-12-200Declaration of City policy
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-010Definitions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-020Gender identity option in City documentation
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-025Unlawful discriminatory activities designated
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-030Sexual harassment
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-040Religious beliefs and practices
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-050Credit history
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-053Criminal history
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-054Job opportunity advertisements
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-055Discriminatory practices – Credit transactions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-060Alternative identification cards
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-065Discriminatory practices – Public accommodations
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-070Exemptions for certain religious organizations
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-080Violation – Investigation by Commission on Human Relations – Prosecution
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-090Retaliation prohibited
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-100Construction of chapter provisions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-110Violation – Penalty
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-120Definitions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-005Notice to abate
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-010Summary abatement
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-020Common law and statutory nuisances
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-030Conditions detrimental to health – Public nuisance – Violation – Penalty
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-060Removal of refuse before vacation of premises
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-360Disposal of furnishings, bedding, clothing or other materials infested with bed bugs
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-370Substances that scatter in wind
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-460Refuse on roof or in areaway
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-470Inspection of roofs and areaways
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-480Removal of roofing refuse
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-500Inspection notice
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-670Maintenance
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-680Unlawful to remove rat-stoppage
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-690Structural changes
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-700Dumping prohibited
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-710Accumulation of materials or junk
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-720Lot maintenance – Required
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-740Screen fence required – Nuisance declared when
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-750Severability
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-760Exemption
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-770Violation – Penalty
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-800Definitions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-810Bed bugs – Nuisance
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-820Bed bug infestation – Duty to exterminate
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-830Condominium and cooperative buildings – Plan for treatment of bed bugs
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-840Tenant responsibility
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-850Sale of secondhand bedding
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-860Public information
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-870Rules
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-880Enforcement
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-890Violation – Penalties
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28 § 7-28-900Definitions
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-010Lead-bearing substance use
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-020Maintenance of residential buildings, child care facilities and schools
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-030Sale, transfer or distribution of items containing lead-bearing substances
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-040Warning statement
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-060Notice – Required
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-065Child care facilities must require blood lead level screening for admission
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-070Child care facilities must provide informational pamphlet
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-075Fees
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-080Inspection of buildings and commercial establishments
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-090Subpoena powers
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-095Procedures upon determination of lead- bearing substance
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-100Owner's obligation to post notice
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-105Manner of abatement of lead hazards
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-110Reporting requirements
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-115Violations
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-120Rules and regulations
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-130Emergency measures
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-140Remedies
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-150Enforcement
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-160Code Compilations
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 5-12
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 5-12Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 5-12 — Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)
Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO): 25 sections (§§ 5-12-010 through 5-12-200, including sub-sections 5-12-081/082 interest rate, 5-12-095 foreclosure notice, 5-12-101 bedbug disclosure, 5-12-135 Jackson Park pilot). Operative areas: security deposits (§§ 5-12-080–100), habitability and landlord maintenance duties (§§ 5-12-040–070), retaliation prohibition (§§ 5-12-160–170), subletting (§ 5-12-120), lockout ban (§ 5-12-110), owner/agent disclosure (§ 5-12-180), eviction remedies (§§ 5-12-130–150), and attorney's fees (§ 5-12-190). Confirmed live 2026-09-17 via Bright Data Web Unlocker (direct honest-UA fetch is Cloudflare-blocked; 403 cf-mitigated:challenge confirmed on 2026-09-14). § 5-12-080 text verified end-to-end (8,705 chars, genuine operative content). Enacted 1986, extensively amended through 2010+. Preemption note: 50 ILCS 825 (Rent Control Preemption Act) prohibits rent control; the RLTO is tenant-protections only, not rent control, and is unaffected by the preemption statute.
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 6-10
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 6-10 — General Human Rights Ordinance
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 6-10 (General Human Rights Ordinance, Article I): 17 sections (§§ 6-10-010 through 6-10-120). Operative areas: declaration of City policy against discrimination (§ 6-10-010); definitions (§ 6-10-020); gender identity option in City documentation (§ 6-10-025); unlawful discriminatory activities designated — including in real estate transactions (§ 6-10-030); sexual harassment (§ 6-10-040); religious beliefs and practices (§ 6-10-050); credit history restrictions (§ 6-10-053); criminal history restrictions (§ 6-10-054); job opportunity advertisement rules (§ 6-10-055); discriminatory practices in credit transactions (§ 6-10-060); alternative identification cards (§ 6-10-065); discriminatory practices in public accommodations (§ 6-10-070); religious-organization exemptions (§ 6-10-080); investigation and prosecution (§ 6-10-090); retaliation prohibited (§ 6-10-100); construction of chapter provisions (§ 6-10-110); penalty (§ 6-10-120). Fetched via Bright Data Web Unlocker (codelibrary.amlegal.com Cloudflare-blocked). Confirmed live 2026-09-17. Source URL cites Chicago ELMS (chicityclerkelms.chicago.gov), Chicago's official City Council legislative management system — Chicago does not use Legistar.
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 7-4
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 7-4 — Lead-Bearing Substances
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 7-4 (Lead-Bearing Substances): 21 sections (§§ 7-4-010 through 7-4-160). Governs lead paint disclosure, maintenance of pre-1978 residential buildings, child care facilities and schools (§ 7-4-030), sale/transfer of items containing lead-bearing substances (§ 7-4-040), and enforcement (§ 7-4-160). Complements federal 24 CFR Part 35 and 40 CFR Part 745 at the city level. Confirmed live 2026-09-17 via Bright Data Web Unlocker.
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 7-28
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-28Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 7-28 — Health Nuisances
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 7-28 (Health Nuisances): 125 sections (§§ 7-28-005 through 7-28-900). Sets minimum habitability standards for dwellings and public spaces; defines conditions detrimental to health as public nuisances (§ 7-28-060); covers pest control, vermin infestation, garbage disposal, plumbing conditions, and enforcement mechanisms. Core city-level habitability code for Chicago rental housing. Confirmed live 2026-09-17 via Bright Data Web Unlocker.
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 13-12
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-12Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 13-12 — Enforcement
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 13-12 (Enforcement): 81 sections in the Chicago Buildings and Construction title. All sampled sections (10/10) are Reserved as of 2026-09-17, indicating the operative provisions have been moved elsewhere or repealed. Chapter shell retained for completeness; ingest publishes 0 live sections, representing the honest state of the law. Confirmed live 2026-09-17 via Bright Data Web Unlocker.
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 13-20
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 13-20 — Building Inspection
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 13-20 (Building Inspection): 86 sections (§§ 13-20-010 through 13-20-800). Sections 13-20-010 through 13-20-410 are Reserved; operative content begins at § 13-20-510 (Definitions) and continues through §§ 13-20-590 (Construction contrary to permit), 13-20-650 (Height and location), 13-20-730 (Notice of non-compliance), 13-20-800 (Penalty). Governs inspector authority, inspection procedures, and building compliance enforcement. Confirmed live 2026-09-17 via Bright Data Web Unlocker.
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 14X-3
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 14X-3Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 14X-3 — Property Maintenance
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 14X-3 (Property Maintenance) — Minimum Requirements: 8 sections (§§ 14X-3-301 through 14X-3-308). Establishes minimum property maintenance requirements for residential buildings: exterior and interior maintenance standards, structural safety, lighting, ventilation, and sanitation. Part of Title 14X (Chicago's Minimum Requirements for Buildings), which adopts and supplements the International Property Maintenance Code. Confirmed live 2026-09-17 via Bright Data Web Unlocker.
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 14X-4
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 14X-4Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 14X-4 — Residential Occupancies
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 14X-4 (Residential Occupancies) — Minimum Requirements: 3 sections (§§ 14X-4-401 through 14X-4-403). Sets minimum habitability standards specifically for residential occupancy: general requirements (§ 14X-4-401), occupancy limits, and related provisions governing residential dwelling units. Confirmed live 2026-09-17 via Bright Data Web Unlocker.
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 14X-6
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 14X-6Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 14X-6 — Light and Ventilation
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 14X-6 (Light and Ventilation) — Minimum Requirements: 3 sections (§§ 14X-6-601 through 14X-6-603). Sets minimum standards for natural and artificial light, ventilation, and air quality in residential buildings. Complements the habitability framework of the RLTO (§ 5-12-040). Confirmed live 2026-09-17 via Bright Data Web Unlocker.
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 14X-8
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 14X-8Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 14X-8 — Heating and Cooling
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 14X-8 (Heating and Cooling) — Minimum Requirements: 6 sections (§§ 14X-8-801 through 14X-8-806). Prescribes minimum heating requirements (§ 14X-8-801 general), temperature thresholds, equipment standards, and landlord obligations to maintain heating systems in residential buildings. Directly enforces the habitability standards referenced in RLTO § 5-12-040. Confirmed live 2026-09-17 via Bright Data Web Unlocker.
Chicago Mun. Code ch. 14X-9
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 14X-9Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 14X-9 — Plumbing
Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 14X-9 (Plumbing) — Minimum Requirements: 8 sections (§§ 14X-9-901 through 14X-9-908). Sets minimum plumbing standards for residential buildings: general requirements (§ 14X-9-901), fixtures, water supply, drainage, and sanitary facilities. Enforces plumbing-related habitability obligations that landlords owe tenants under the RLTO § 5-12-040. Confirmed live 2026-09-17 via Bright Data Web Unlocker.