Illinois Lease Agreement

When renting property in Illinois, especially in areas with specific regulations like Cook County and Chicago, it’s crucial to craft a lease agreement that not only complies with Illinois state laws but also with the unique local ordinances. TurboTenant’s Lease Agreement Generator and Templates have been meticulously designed with input from Illinois legal professionals, ensuring your lease agreements are compliant, comprehensive, and tailored to the unique requirements of Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago.

Section 1

Every property is unique, and so is every leasing situation. In Illinois, including Cook County and Chicago, the initial section of your lease agreement should be customized to reflect the specifics of your rental arrangement:

• Tenant and Landlord Details: Names and contact information.
• Rent Details: Amount, due dates, and payment methods.
• Utilities and Services: Clarification on who pays for what.
• Property Specific Rules: Any rules unique to your property or leasing situation.

Remember, TurboTenant allows you to add these details seamlessly during the lease creation process, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding from the start.

Important Customizable Elements

• Additional Provisions: Use this section to insert property-specific rules or necessary local clauses.
• Lost Key Policy: Outline the tenant’s obligations and potential costs associated with losing keys or failing to return them at lease end.

Adhering to Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago Regulations

Your lease agreement must comply with the broader Illinois state laws, as well as the specific requirements of Cook County and Chicago. These regulations cover aspects like late fees, security deposits, and fair housing, ensuring your lease is not only compliant but also fair and transparent.

Illinois Regulations

Across Illinois, several state-specific regulations affect lease agreements:

• • Late Fees: State law provides guidelines for charging late fees, ensuring they are reasonable and clearly stated in the lease agreement. Allowable late fee is 5% of the rent due if not paid before the 5th day.
  • Security Deposits: While not strictly capped at a state level, the handling, holding, and return of security deposits must follow state guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness. All security deposits must be placed in an FDIC insured account within the State of Illinois and interest must be earned on these accounts for landlords owning 25+ units. Security deposits must be returned within 45 days and all deductions and repairs for lawful charges must be itemized and mailed out to tenant within 30 days of move out.
  • Fair Housing: Illinois landlords must adhere to both federal and state fair housing laws, ensuring no discrimination against tenants.
  • Rent Concessions Disclosure (Sect. 2.15)
  • Radon Disclosure (Sect. 2.16)

• Shared Utilities Disclosure (Sect. 2.17)

Cook County Regulations

In Cook County, specific rules are in place for late fees, security deposits, and landlord entry/access:

• Late Fees (Section 2.1): For rent under $1,000, a $10 fee may apply, or 5% for amounts over $1,000, with all late fees considered additional rent.
• Security Deposits (Section 2.4): Cannot exceed 1.5 times the monthly rent. They must be deposited into a separate FDIC-insured account in an Illinois bank and returned within 30 days after lease termination, with an itemized list of deductions provided if applicable.
• Entry/Access by Landlord (Section 2.8): Landlords must make a good faith effort to notify tenants at least two days before entry in non-emergency situations. In emergencies, landlords may enter without prior notice but must inform the tenant within two days of the entry.

Chicago Regulations

Chicago has its own set of regulations that must be observed in lease agreements, including:

• Late Fees (Section 2.1): Allowed if rent is not received by the second day of the month, with a fee of $10 for rent under $500 plus 5% of any rent amount over $500.
• Security Deposits (Section 2.4): While similar to Cook County’s regulations, Chicago landlords should ensure full compliance with local ordinances, especially regarding itemized deductions and return timelines.
• Fair Housing (Section 2.10): Compliance with federal, state, and local fair housing laws is mandatory, ensuring no discrimination in the leasing process.

Section 3 – Best Practices and General Clauses

This section includes clauses applicable to lease agreements nationwide, emphasizing landlord and tenant best practices:

• Subletting (Section 3.1): Generally prohibited without your written permission.
• Altering or Improving the Property (Section 3.2): Tenants must obtain your consent before making any changes to the property.
• Military Personnel Clause/Family Violence/Sex Offenses or Stalking (Section 3.8): Acknowledges specific rights for lease termination under certain circumstances.
• Choice of Law (Section 3.11): The agreement is governed by Illinois laws, with a requirement to consent to the use of county courts where the property is located.

FAQ

TurboTenant: Simplifying Illinois Lease Agreements

TurboTenant’s tools offer a streamlined solution for crafting Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago-compliant lease agreements. By incorporating state-specific legal requirements and best practices, TurboTenant helps landlords ensure their lease agreements are comprehensive, clear, and compliant. For any unique lease provisions or local ordinance considerations, consulting with a legal expert is advisable to ensure your lease agreement fully meets all legal requirements and protects both landlords and tenants effectively.

Illinois Resources

• Illinois Landlord Tenant Law
• Illinois Eviction Laws