Chicago Residential Lease Agreement

Chicago Residential Lease Agreement

Generate a comprehensive lease agreement compliant with Chicago and Illinois rental laws

Property Information
Landlord Information
Tenant Information
Lease Terms
Rent and Fees
Utilities and Services
Pet Policy
Parking
Occupancy and Use
Maintenance and Repairs
Additional Terms

Important Information for Chicago Landlords

⚠️ Legal Notice: This lease generator provides a basic template. Chicago has specific rental requirements under Illinois state law AND Chicago municipal ordinances. Always consult with a qualified attorney to ensure your lease complies with all current federal, state, and local laws.

Chicago Rental Law Highlights

Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) – MCC Ch. 5-12

  • Coverage: Applies to most residential rental units in Chicago (6+ unit buildings, plus smaller buildings not owner-occupied)
  • Exemptions: Owner-occupied buildings with 6 or fewer units; hotels; shelters; etc.
  • Interest on Security Deposits: Required if held more than 6 months
  • Move-In Checklist: Required within 7 days of move-in
  • Summary of RLTO: Must be provided with lease
  • Tenant Rights: Extensive protections under RLTO

Security Deposits (MCC § 5-12-080, 765 ILCS 710)

  • Maximum Amount: No statutory limit in Illinois or Chicago
  • Return Timeline: 30-45 days depending on property type (Chicago); 30-45 days (Illinois)
  • Itemized Statement: Required if any deductions are made
  • Interest Required (Chicago): Yes, if held more than 6 months; rate set by city annually
  • Receipt Required: Must provide within 14 days (Chicago)
  • Bank Information: Must disclose where deposit is held (Chicago)
  • Penalty: Twice the deposit plus court costs and attorney fees for bad faith (Illinois and Chicago)

Rent and Fees (MCC § 5-12-140, Illinois law)

  • Grace Period: No statutory requirement; if provided, typically 5 days
  • Late Fees (Chicago): Maximum $10/day after 5-day grace period OR 5% of monthly rent
  • NSF Fees: Must be reasonable; typically $20-30
  • Rent Increases: 60 days’ notice required (Chicago RLTO)
  • No Rent Control: Illinois prohibits rent control

Required Disclosures (MCC § 5-12-170, Illinois statutes)

💡 Important: Chicago and Illinois have specific disclosure requirements:
  • Lead paint disclosure (pre-1978 properties) – Federal requirement
  • Summary of Chicago RLTO (must provide with lease) – MCC § 5-12-170
  • Landlord’s name and address (or agent) – MCC § 5-12-020
  • Building code violations (if cited by city) – MCC § 5-12-170
  • Radon disclosure (430 ILCS 45/1)
  • Security deposit receipt and bank information – MCC § 5-12-080
  • Move-in condition statement within 7 days – MCC § 5-12-080
  • Utility payment arrangements

Eviction and Termination (MCC § 5-12-130, 735 ILCS 5/9-207 et seq.)

  • 5-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent (pay or quit)
  • 10-Day Notice: For lease violations (cure or quit)
  • 30-Day Notice: To terminate month-to-month tenancy
  • Just Cause (Chicago): RLTO limits evictions during lease term to enumerated causes
  • Court Process: Forcible entry and detainer action required
  • No Self-Help: Lockouts and utility shutoffs are illegal
  • Retaliatory Eviction: Prohibited under RLTO and Illinois law

Landlord Obligations (MCC § 5-12-070, 765 ILCS 735)

  • Habitability: Must maintain in fit and habitable condition
  • Heat (Chicago): Must provide adequate heat September 15 – June 1; minimum 68°F (6:30am-10:30pm)
  • Essential Services: Heat, running water, hot water, electricity, gas
  • Building Codes: Compliance with all applicable codes
  • Repairs: Must make necessary repairs within 14 days of notice (Chicago)
  • Smoke Detectors: Required in all units; landlord responsible for installation and maintenance
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Required within 15 feet of sleeping rooms (430 ILCS 135)
  • Common Areas: Keep in clean and safe condition

Entry Requirements (MCC § 5-12-050)

  • Notice Required: 2 days’ notice required (except emergency)
  • Reasonable Times: Between 8am and 8pm on weekdays, or other reasonable times
  • Emergency Exception: May enter without notice in emergency
  • Permitted Purposes: Repairs, inspections, showings

Tenant Rights and Protections (MCC Ch. 5-12, Illinois statutes)

  • Repair and Deduct: Tenant can deduct repair costs from rent (up to $500 or half month’s rent)
  • Rent Withholding: For serious habitability issues
  • Retaliation Protection: Cannot retaliate for tenant complaints or organizing
  • Lockout Prohibition: Illegal; tenant can sue for damages and attorney fees
  • Utility Shutoff: Illegal; tenant remedies available
  • Relocation Rights: If building demolished or converted

Chicago-Specific Requirements

Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO)

  • One of strongest tenant protection laws in United States
  • Covers most rental units in Chicago (6+ units, or smaller if not owner-occupied)
  • Mandatory interest on security deposits held over 6 months
  • Required move-in checklist within 7 days
  • Must provide RLTO summary with lease
  • 14-day repair timeline after notice
  • 2-day entry notice requirement
  • 60-day rent increase notice
  • Just cause limitations on evictions during lease term
  • Significant penalties for violations

Interest on Security Deposits

  • Required if deposit held more than 6 months
  • Interest rate set annually by city (typically 0-2%)
  • Must be paid annually or credited to rent
  • Landlord keeps first $25 as administrative fee per year
  • Must provide receipt and bank information

Move-In Checklist Requirement

  • Must provide written statement of property condition within 7 days of move-in
  • Tenant has right to inspect and note conditions
  • Critical for security deposit disputes
  • Failure to provide can limit landlord’s ability to retain deposit

Heat Requirements

  • September 15 through June 1 (heat season)
  • Minimum 68°F from 6:30am to 10:30pm when outside temp is 55°F or below
  • Violations enforced by city; fines possible
  • Tenant remedies include repair and deduct

Late Fee Limitations

  • Maximum $10 per day after 5-day grace period
  • OR 5% of monthly rent (whichever less)
  • More restrictive than many jurisdictions
  • Grace period not required by law but common

Fair Housing Requirements

⚠️ Discrimination: Cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, housing status, or any other protected class under federal, state, and local law. Chicago has additional protected classes beyond federal and state law.

Best Practices for Chicago Landlords

  • Determine if property is covered by RLTO and comply with all requirements
  • Provide RLTO summary with every lease
  • Provide move-in checklist within 7 days of occupancy
  • Provide security deposit receipt within 14 days
  • Pay interest on security deposits annually if held over 6 months
  • Provide 2 days’ notice before entry
  • Provide 60 days’ notice for rent increases
  • Limit late fees to $10/day or 5% of monthly rent
  • Maintain adequate heat September 15 – June 1 (68°F minimum)
  • Respond to repair requests within 14 days
  • Return security deposits within 30-45 days with itemization
  • Never use self-help eviction methods
  • Keep detailed records of all transactions
  • Stay current on Chicago rental ordinances
  • Consider legal counsel given complexity of RLTO

Chicago Climate Considerations

  • Four Seasons: Cold winters, hot humid summers
  • Temperature Range: 0°F to 95°F typical range
  • Harsh Winters: Cold temperatures, significant snow and ice
  • Heating Critical: Essential September 15 – June 1
  • High Humidity: Summer months can be very humid
  • Air Conditioning: Important for summer habitability

Resources

  • Chicago Department of Buildings
  • Metropolitan Tenants Organization
  • Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing
  • Chicago Municipal Code – Chapter 5-12 (RLTO)
  • Illinois Compiled Statutes – Landlord-Tenant Provisions
  • City of Chicago – Renting in Chicago Guide
  • Chicago Apartment Association
⚠️ Disclaimer: This tool provides a template for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Chicago has specific rental requirements under Illinois state law AND Chicago municipal ordinances including the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO – MCC Ch. 5-12). Security deposits have no statutory maximum but require interest payment if held over 6 months (rate set annually by city); 30-45 day return with itemization. Late fees limited to $10/day after 5-day grace period OR 5% of monthly rent per MCC § 5-12-140. Heat must be provided at 68°F minimum September 15 – June 1 per MCC § 5-12-070. Required disclosures include RLTO summary, move-in checklist within 7 days, security deposit receipt within 14 days, landlord name and address. 2-day entry notice required per MCC § 5-12-050. 60-day rent increase notice per MCC § 5-12-140. This form does not include all required disclosures. Consult with a qualified Illinois real estate attorney familiar with Chicago ordinances to ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.