Illinois-Specific Lease Template

Free Illinois Lease Template

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Illinois Lease Requirements

Key landlord-tenant regulations every Illinois lease must address.

Security Deposit

Limit: No limit (Chicago has local ordinances capping at 1.5 months)

Return deadline: 30 days (itemized list within 30, deposit within 45)

Late Fees

No statutory cap; must be in lease

Required Disclosures

Lead-based paint (pre-1978), mold, radon, bedbugs

Notice to Enter

48 hours

Notice to Terminate

30 days (month-to-month)

Governing Statutes

Illinois Security Deposit Act (765 ILCS 710), Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance

What to Include in a Illinois Lease

A legally binding Illinois lease agreement should include these essential clauses:

Parties: Full names of landlord and all adult tenants
Property address: Complete rental unit address
Term: Fixed-term (start and end dates) or month-to-month
Rent amount: Monthly rent, due date, and payment method
Security deposit: Amount collected (within Illinois limits) and return conditions
Late fees: Fee structure as permitted by Illinois law
Utilities: Which utilities landlord vs. tenant pays
Maintenance responsibilities: Who handles repairs and upkeep
Entry rules: Landlord notice requirements (48 hours)
Pet policy: Whether pets are allowed, deposits, and restrictions
Required disclosures: Lead-based paint (pre-1978), mold, radon, bedbugs
Termination: Notice requirements (30 days (month-to-month))
Subletting: Whether subletting is allowed and conditions
Lead-based paint disclosure: Required for properties built before 1978

Illinois-Specific Lease Laws

Illinois landlord-tenant law is governed by the Illinois Security Deposit Act (765 ILCS 710), Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance. Here are key provisions landlords should know:

Security deposits are capped at No limit (Chicago has local ordinances capping at 1.5 months) and must be returned within 30 days (itemized list within 30, deposit within 45) after the tenant vacates
Late fees: No statutory cap; must be in lease
Entry notice: Landlords must give 48 hours before entering the rental unit
Termination notice: 30 days (month-to-month) to end a month-to-month tenancy
Required disclosures: Lead-based paint (pre-1978), mold, radon, bedbugs

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change — consult a licensed Illinois attorney for specific guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a security deposit limit in Illinois?

Illinois does not impose a statewide limit on security deposits, but Chicago's RLTO caps deposits at 1.5 months' rent. Check local ordinances.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Illinois?

Illinois landlords must provide an itemized list of damages within 30 days and return the deposit within 45 days after the tenant vacates.

What disclosures are required in an Illinois lease?

Illinois requires lead-based paint disclosures (pre-1978), radon disclosure, bedbug disclosure, and landlords should disclose any known mold issues.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Illinois?

Illinois landlords must provide at least 48 hours' notice before entering a rental unit, except in emergencies.

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