Stava-Murray Tenant Rights Bill Becomes Law

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – Tenants throughout Illinois will have more flexibility in how to pay rent after a bill by state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Downers Grove was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 30.

“Reliable access to affordable housing is a fundamental necessity for everyone in Illinois, and there should be no arbitrary barriers to payment,” Stava-Murray said. “That’s why, when I saw that many landlords were placing restrictions on how tenants could pay them, including by requiring the use of electronic portals that often charge additional fees, I knew it was time for a change.”

Stava-Murray’s House Bill 1628 requires landlords to accept all valid forms of payment, including cash, for rent payments and prohibits them from requiring the use of electronic forms of payment, including portals which may charge fees, though such portals may still be offered as an option for those who wish to use them.

The new requirements take effect with the law, and landlords who fail to comply will be subject to penalties beginning 90 days after that.

“Making people jump through hoops in order to pay their rent doesn’t help anyone in the long run and, besides which, it’s simply wrong,” Stava-Murray said. “Renters, who risk homelessness if they do not secure a lease, do not negotiate with landlords on a level playing field. That’s why putting people over profits by giving everyone the ability to pay their rent in the way that makes the most sense for their individual situation is the right call.”