Can a Illinois tenant be evicted for complaining about repairs?
No. Illinois prohibits retaliatory eviction. A landlord cannot terminate a tenancy in retaliation for the tenant complaining to a code-enforcement agency, organizing other tenants, joining a tenant union, or pursuing lawful tenant remedies. Most Illinois statutes create a presumption of retaliation if the eviction follows the protected activity within a window (typically 6 months). A tenant who proves retaliation can recover possession, damages, and attorney fees. Documentation matters: dated complaints, certified-mail records, photos of conditions, and witness statements all strengthen the retaliation defense.
Source: Illinois retaliation statute
This is an informational answer based on Illinois retaliation statute as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a Illinois-licensed attorney.