Is Mediation Available for Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Illinois?
Direct Answer
Yes. Illinois landlord-tenant disputes can be mediated through community mediation centers, court referrals, and local programs such as the Center for Conflict Resolution in Chicago.
Yes. Illinois has several resources for landlord-tenant mediation. The Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) in Chicago provides free mediation for residential landlord-tenant disputes in Cook County. The CCR handles security deposit return disputes, habitability complaints, lease termination disagreements, and minor eviction-related issues. For cases filed in the Cook County Circuit Court's First Municipal District (Chicago), the court may refer landlord-tenant cases to mediation. Chicago has its own Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), Chicago Municipal Code §5-12, which provides tenant protections that are significantly broader than Illinois state law — including security deposit interest requirements, the right to repair and deduct, and retaliation protections. Disputes under the RLTO are frequently mediated. Outside Chicago, the Residential Tenant's Right to Repair Act (765 ILCS 735/) and the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710/) govern residential tenancies. Community mediation centers in Champaign-Urbana, Springfield, and other Illinois cities provide free or low-cost mediation for landlord-tenant disputes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois's Eviction Mediation Program provided free mediation for eviction cases statewide, and many courts continued voluntary mediation programs after the program ended.