Chicago, IL — As housing costs continue to climb, tenant activists and lawmakers are pressing for rent stabilization and stronger protections against evictions in Chicago. For decades, Illinois law has blocked rent control at the local level, but new proposals could change that — potentially reshaping how rents are set and leases renewed in the city.
Why Rent Stabilization Matters in Chicago
Unlike many major U.S. cities, Chicago currently has no rent control or rent stabilization laws. This is due to the Rent Control Preemption Act of 1997, a state law that bars municipalities from regulating rents. As a result, landlords in Chicago may raise rents when leases expire, subject only to standard notice requirements.
With rising rents and mounting displacement, tenant groups have long argued that the lack of protections leaves renters vulnerable. A report from Azibo notes that even modest apartments have seen double-digit rent hikes in recent years.
The “Lift the Ban” Bill and HB 3687
One of the most significant proposals is House Bill 3687, also called the “Lift the Ban” initiative. If passed, it would allow Illinois municipalities to hold local referenda on whether to permit rent stabilization.
This means Chicago, or even individual wards, could vote to adopt rules capping rent increases — such as tying them to inflation (CPI) or setting fixed limits (The Daily Line).
The bill also proposes expanding Cook County’s Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) statewide, providing more uniform tenant rights across Illinois.
Just Cause Evictions in Focus
Alongside stabilization, Alderman Desmon Yancy has introduced a Just Cause eviction ordinance in 2025. This would restrict landlords from denying lease renewals without a valid reason.
Under the plan, landlords could still evict for nonpayment, lease violations, owner occupancy, or major renovations — but they may have to provide relocation assistance if removing tenants for non-fault reasons (In These Times).
As one housing advocate told In These Times:
“Without just cause rules, landlords can effectively evict tenants by refusing renewals — even when renters have done nothing wrong.”
Tenant Strikes and Organizing
Legislative reform isn’t the only pressure. Tenants have staged rent strikes across the city in 2025, organized by the All Chicago Tenant Alliance (ACTA) and neighborhood associations.
According to Wikipedia, some renters faced hikes of 25% or more when new landlords took over buildings. In Pilsen, tenants withheld rent over unsafe conditions, only to be hit with eviction notices and rent increases of up to 55%.
These grassroots actions are amplifying calls for legal reform.
What Rent Stabilization Could Mean
If the state lifts the ban, here’s how tenants might benefit:
✅ Possible Protections
- Caps on rent increases linked to inflation or fixed percentages
- Greater predictability for renters planning long-term housing budgets
- Security in lease renewals under just cause rules
- Relocation assistance when evictions happen for non-fault reasons
- Local decision-making so policies match neighborhood realities
⚠️ Potential Tradeoffs
- Landlord resistance citing reduced profitability and upkeep concerns
- Loopholes through “renovictions” where landlords claim upgrades require removal
- Enforcement challenges, requiring new complaint systems and legal aid
- Debates over new construction, with critics warning of slowed housing supply
- Political obstacles at the state level to repeal or override the 1997 preemption law
What Tenants Can Do Now
Housing advocates recommend proactive steps while reforms remain debated:
- Follow HB 3687 and local referenda to see when votes may occur
- Engage with tenant groups like ACTA to amplify community voices
- Learn your rights under Chicago’s RLTO and Cook County’s RTLO
- Document everything — rent increases, notices, repair issues
- Challenge unfair practices by filing complaints or seeking legal assistance
Conclusion
Chicago is at a pivotal moment. With the Lift the Ban bill and Just Cause ordinance under discussion, renters could soon see the strongest housing protections in decades.
Still, passing legislation, closing loopholes, and ensuring enforcement remain major hurdles. For now, tenant activism and state-level politics will determine whether Chicago renters finally gain relief from sudden, destabilizing rent hikes.
What do you think — should Chicago be allowed to set its own rent stabilization rules? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
