Illinois House passes bill banning move-in fees for renters

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — A new bill, passed by the Illinois House on Tuesday, would prevent landlords from charging new tenants a “move in” fee.

House Bill 3564 amends the Landlords and Tenants Act to prevent landlords from charging “for the processing, reviewing, or accepting of an application, or demand any other payment, fee, or charge before or at the beginning of the tenancy.”

Language in the bill also prevents landlords from renaming a fee to circumvent the proposed law.

The bill also makes it clear that landlords cannot use a lease, rental agreement, or contract to place a “move in” fee on new applicants.

The law does not affect security deposits but does restrict landlords from performing a credit check on potential renters.