Illinois Lease Agreement Create an Illinois Lease Agreement

Illinois Lease Agreement

Updated Dec 07, 2025
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An Illinois Lease Agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions between a landlord and tenant for a rental of property in Illinois.

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ILLINOIS LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement") is entered into on the , by and between:

LANDLORD:
Name:
Address:
City: State: IL Zip:
Phone:
Email:

AND

TENANT(S):
Name:

I. PROPERTY

The Landlord agrees to lease to the Tenant, and the Tenant agrees to lease from the Landlord, the residential premises located at:

Address:
City: State: Illinois Zip:
(hereinafter referred to as the "Premises").

The Premises includes the following furniture/appliances:

II. TERM OF LEASE

The term of this Agreement shall be (check one):

III. RENT

The Tenant agrees to pay the Landlord rent in the amount of $ per month.

Rent is due on the day of each month.

Rent shall be paid via the following method(s):

Late Charges: If rent is not received by the day of the month, the Tenant agrees to pay a late fee of $.
(Note: Late fees must be reasonable under Illinois law).

Returned Checks: If a check is returned for insufficient funds, the Tenant shall pay a charge of $ in addition to any late fees.

IV. SECURITY DEPOSIT

Upon execution of this Agreement, the Tenant shall deposit with the Landlord the sum of $ as security for the faithful performance of the terms of this Lease.

Financial Institution:
Pursuant to the Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act (765 ILCS 715), if the Landlord owns 25 or more units in a single building or complex, the Security Deposit will be held at the following financial institution:

Return of Deposit:
In accordance with the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710), the Landlord shall return the Security Deposit to the Tenant within forty-five (45) days after the Tenant vacates the Premises, less any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent. If deductions are made, the Landlord shall provide an itemized statement of damages within thirty (30) days of vacating.

V. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

Responsibility for payment of utilities and services shall be as follows (select responsible party):

Electricity:

Gas/Heat:

Water/Sewer:

Trash Collection:

Cable/Internet:

Snow Removal:

Lawn Care:

Other:


If Other, specify:

VI. USE OF PREMISES AND OCCUPANTS

The Premises shall be used exclusively as a private residence. No business or commercial activity shall be conducted on the Premises without the Landlord's prior written consent.

The following individuals are the only authorized occupants of the Premises:

VII. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

Landlord's Obligations:
The Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition and comply with all applicable building and housing codes. The Landlord is responsible for structural repairs and maintaining common areas.

Tenant's Obligations:
The Tenant shall keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and in good condition. The Tenant shall promptly notify the Landlord of any necessary repairs. The Tenant shall be responsible for any damage caused by the Tenant, their guests, or invitees, excluding normal wear and tear.

VIII. ILLINOIS SPECIFIC DISCLOSURES AND PROVISIONS

1. Radon Awareness Disclosure (420 ILCS 46):
The Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety strongly recommends that ALL homebuyers and renters have an indoor radon test performed prior to purchase or lease. Space for the radon test result is provided below.

2. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure:
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards.

The Premises was built:

3. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Pursuant to the Illinois Smoke Detector Act (425 ILCS 60) and the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detection Act (430 ILCS 135), the Premises is equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The Tenant is responsible for testing the detectors and replacing batteries as needed during the tenancy.

4. Rent Concession Act (765 ILCS 730):
Is there a rent concession (e.g., "one month free") associated with this Lease?

5. Safe Homes Act (765 ILCS 750):
The Tenant may have the right to terminate this Lease early if the Tenant or a member of the Tenant's household is a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, provided specific statutory requirements and notice procedures are met.

IX. RIGHT OF ENTRY

The Landlord shall have the right to enter the Premises to inspect, make necessary repairs, or show the Premises to prospective buyers or tenants. Except in cases of emergency, the Landlord shall provide the Tenant with at least twenty-four (24) hours' notice before entering.

X. DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

If the Tenant fails to pay rent or violates any other term of this Agreement, the Landlord may terminate this Lease in accordance with the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/9).

Notice to Quit:
For non-payment of rent: Landlord shall provide a five (5) day written notice.
For other lease violations: Landlord shall provide a ten (10) day written notice.

XI. PETS

XII. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

XIII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior understandings, whether written or oral. No amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties.

XIV. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SIGNATURES

LANDLORD:
Signature: _________________________
Print Name: _______________
Date:

TENANT(S):
Signature: _________________________
Print Name: _______________
Date:

What is an Illinois Lease Agreement?

An Illinois lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that outlines the specific terms and conditions for renting a property within the state. This document establishes the rights and obligations of both parties regarding the use of residential or commercial real estate in exchange for regular rental payments. It serves as the primary governing instrument for the tenancy, detailing critical aspects such as the rent amount, lease duration, security deposits, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding property use. The agreement ensures that the arrangement complies with the Illinois Compiled Statutes and local ordinances, providing a clear framework for dispute resolution should issues arise.

Legal Framework and Statutory Requirements

The landlord-tenant relationship in Illinois is primarily governed by Chapter 765 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS). Specifically, the Landlord and Tenant Act provides the statutory foundation for rental agreements. Additionally, the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710) mandates strict guidelines regarding the handling and return of funds held as security. It is important to note that while state laws provide a baseline, local municipalities often have their own ordinances that supersede or add to state regulations. The most notable of these is the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), which offers extensive protections to tenants in the city of Chicago and imposes strict liability on landlords for non-compliance.

Required Disclosures in Illinois

To execute a valid Illinois lease agreement, landlords must provide specific disclosures to the tenant before or at the time of signing. Federal law mandates that for any property constructed prior to 1978, a lead-based paint disclosure must be attached to the contract. At the state level, the Radon Awareness Act requires landlords to disclose any knowledge of radon hazards in the unit; if a radon test has indicated a hazard, the landlord must provide the tenant with a specific warning statement. Furthermore, if the rental unit shares a utility meter with other units or common areas, the landlord is legally obligated to disclose the formula used to calculate the tenant's portion of the utility bill under the Rental Property Utility Service Act.

Security Deposit Regulations

Illinois law does not impose a statutory cap on the maximum amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit. However, the state enforces strict rules regarding the return and management of these funds. For properties containing five or more units, the landlord must provide an itemized statement of damages within 30 days if deductions are made. If no deductions are claimed, the full deposit must be returned within 45 days of the tenant vacating the premises. Additionally, under the Security Deposit Interest Act, landlords managing complexes with 25 or more units are required to pay interest on deposits held for more than six months, calculated at a rate determined by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Essential Components of a Valid Illinois Lease

  • Party Identification: Full legal names of the landlord and all adult tenants responsible for the lease.
  • Property Description: The specific physical address of the rental unit, including unit numbers.
  • Lease Term: The start and end dates of the tenancy, or specifications for a month-to-month arrangement.
  • Financial Terms: The amount of rent, due date, acceptable payment methods, and any late fees.
  • Security Deposit: The amount held, the financial institution where it is stored, and terms for its return.
  • Rights of Entry: Conditions under which the landlord may enter the property (typically requiring notice).
  • Maintenance Duties: Clarification of who is responsible for repairs, lawn care, and utilities.

Termination and Eviction Procedures

The process for terminating a tenancy is strictly defined by the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act. For standard lease violations involving non-payment of rent, a landlord must serve a 5-day notice to quit. If the tenant fails to pay within that window, the landlord may file for eviction. For other breaches of the lease agreement, such as unauthorized pets or noise violations, a 10-day notice is typically required. In the case of month-to-month tenancies without a specific cause for termination, either party must provide a 30-day written notice. Illinois law expressly prohibits "self-help" evictions, meaning a landlord cannot change locks, remove doors, or shut off utilities to force a tenant out without a court order.

Rent Control and Late Fees

The State of Illinois currently enforces the Rent Control Preemption Act, which prohibits local governments from enacting rent control measures. This means landlords generally have the discretion to set rent prices at market rates and increase them upon lease renewal, provided proper notice is given. Regarding late fees, while state law allows them, they must be reasonable and clearly stated in the written agreement. For Chicago specifically, the RLTO limits late fees to $10 for the first $500 of rent plus 5% of any amount exceeding $500, preventing excessive penalties.

FAQs

While oral agreements for tenancies of less than one year are technically enforceable, a written lease is highly recommended and legally required for any agreement lasting one year or longer to comply with the Statute of Frauds.
Illinois state law does not specify an exact timeframe for notice, but 24 hours is considered the standard for reasonable notice. However, in Chicago, the RLTO strictly mandates at least 48 hours of notice prior to entry, except in emergencies.
Under the Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act, tenants may repair and deduct the cost from their rent only for essential services and under specific conditions. The cost cannot exceed $500 or half the monthly rent, whichever is less, and proper notice must be given to the landlord first.
Statewide law requires late fees to be reasonable, typically interpreted as around $20 or 20% of the rent. However, specific municipalities like Chicago have strict formulas capping late fees to prevent punitive charges.
If a landlord fails to comply with the Security Deposit Return Act by providing an itemized list of damages or returning the funds within the mandated 30 to 45-day window, they may be liable for damages equal to twice the amount of the deposit plus court costs and attorney fees.

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