Real Estate
Why Chicago Has No Rent Control: The 1997 State Law Behind the Debate
Chicago cannot enact rent control because of the 1997 Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act, which prohibits municipalities from implementing such measures. The debate over rent control in Chicago thus centers on repealing this state-level ban, with arguments for and against focusing on housing affordability, tenant stability, and economic impacts.
Aaron Blake·November 8, 2026
