While it’s still a tad cool outside, temperatures are about to rise, and it could get quite hot in the upcoming months. If you’re not aware, your landlord may charge you extra for just staying cool during the summer.
Unlike the “Heat Ordinance”, Chicago does not currently require landlords to provide air conditioning in most residential buildings. If they do, there may be unforeseen costs.
Landlords in Chicago can charge fees for tenant-owned window units to cover installation or increased electricity usage, especially if electricity is included in the rent. These fees typically range from $50 to $100, and in some cases can reach $300 annually, which can add up significantly.
However, there is a new Illinois law going into effect on July 1, 2026, specifically the New 2026 Illinois Fee Transparency Law, which will limit the AC fees landlords can charge.
Here’s what you need to know:
Mandatory Disclosure: All non-optional fees (including seasonal AC usage fees) must be listed on the first page of the lease. If these fees are not disclosed, the landlord cannot collect them.
What if the AC is broken?
Although this isn’t a new rule, tenants have the right to request repairs if an apartment’s air conditioner is broken. Under Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, landlords must respond to repair requests within 14 days.
If the landlord doesn’t respond? Then the tenant can make the repairs themselves and deduct the cost from their next month’s rent.