Chicago Officials Debated New Rental Ordinance Proposals

Chicago renters and landlords are tracking two competing plans to update the city's 40-year-old housing regulations.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Apartments

Bold vector illustration of generic city apartment building facades in coral, teal, and mustard colors, representing Chicago rental housing. — Chicago City Council members are currently reviewing two competing proposals to reform the city's 40-year-old landlord and tenant housing ordinance. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chicago City Council members have considered two new proposals aimed at updating the city's residential landlord and tenant ordinance. Both plans are currently slated for deferral as negotiations continue regarding registration requirements and fee structures.

Why it matters

The proposed changes represent the first major update to the 40-year-old ordinance, potentially reshaping move-in costs and landlord oversight for households across Chicago. The outcome will dictate how rental housing is registered and managed citywide.

The ordinance, which is 40 years old, faces two potential replacements. The proposals differ significantly on fee structures and administrative oversight.

The players

Gilbert Villegas

The Alderman for the 36th Ward who serves as a key negotiator regarding the deferral of the current housing proposals.

Chicago City Council

The legislative body currently evaluating updates to the city's 40-year-old landlord and tenant ordinance.

The details

The Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) proposes a new Bureau of Rental Housing Services funded by per-unit registration fees while banning move-in and move-out costs. Conversely, the Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental Ordinance (FAIR) suggests using existing staff within a new Rental Services Office and allows move-in fees as an alternative to security deposits.

September 23, 2026: Competing rental ordinances are on the City Council agenda.

The Home Front

These debates reflect a broader trend of cities reassessing 40-year-old regulatory frameworks to better balance landlord interests and tenant protections. The current deliberation mirrors wider efforts to modernize urban housing codes in response to shifting economic conditions.

Renters should monitor future council hearings to see how potential changes to move-in fees might impact their next lease renewal or apartment hunt. Landlords should stay informed on whether a new registration requirement will apply to their specific rental units.

The takeaway

The proposed ordinance changes remain in a state of flux with further negotiations expected to delay final decisions. Households should watch for updates from the City Council to see which administrative requirements may eventually affect their rental agreements.