Chicago City Council Advances Modified Protecting Renters Ordinance

The Chicago City Council is scheduled to vote next Wednesday on a modified version of the Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) proposed by Brandon Johnson. The measure narrowly passed the council's housing and real estate committee in a 12-9 vote on September 16, 2026.

To secure committee approval, Mayor Johnson removed the just cause provisions that would have limited the reasons landlords could evict tenants or refuse lease renewals. The revised ordinance establishes a tenant bill of rights, bans nonrefundable junk fees, and creates a rental registry. This registry is expected to generate $22.4 million annually to fund a new Bureau of Rental Housing Services, additional inspectors, and a permanent tenant counsel pilot program.

Supporters, including Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, argue the reform is necessary to combat high rates of evictions and housing code violations. However, the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance and the Chicagoland Apartment Association warn that the new regulatory burdens and costs will force small landlords to sell to hedge funds, ultimately increasing rents for tenants.

A coalition of aldermen led by Gilbert Villegas continues to promote a competing measure, the Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental Ordinance. This alternative proposal seeks to expand the definition of small landlords and keep enforcement under the Department of Buildings rather than creating a new bureau.