📋 Cook County RTLO Summary Disclosure

Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance – Suburban Cook County

⚠️ REQUIRED DISCLOSURE

June 2021Effective Date

1.5 MoMax Deposit

30 DaysDeposit Return

⚖️ Cook County RTLO: Effective June 1, 2021, the Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance applies to most residential rentals in suburban Cook County (outside Chicago city limits). Landlords must provide this disclosure to tenants.

🚨 Important: The RTLO does NOT apply to Chicago (which has its own RLTO) or to owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units. Verify your property is covered before using this form.

🏠 Property Information

Property Address *

Unit Number

City *

ZIP Code *

🏢 Landlord Information

Landlord/Owner Name *

Landlord Address *

Phone *

👤 Tenant Information

Tenant Name(s) *

📅 Lease Information

Lease Start Date *

Lease End Date *

Monthly Rent *

Security Deposit *

📌 Maximum Deposit: Under the RTLO, security deposits cannot exceed 1.5 months rent. Max for this rent: $0.00

⚖️ Key RTLO Provisions

Security Deposit Rules

Maximum Deposit:1.5 months rent

Return Deadline:30 days after move-out

Itemized Statement:Required if deductions

Interest Required:Yes (buildings 25+ units)

Eviction Notice Requirements

Non-Payment of Rent:5-day notice

Lease Violations:10-day notice to cure

Non-Renewal:60-day notice

Tenant Protections

Lockouts Prohibited:Yes

Utility Shutoffs:Prohibited as retaliation

Late Fee Limits:Yes (reasonable only)

Retaliation Ban:Yes

✅ Landlord Certification

📌 As the landlord, I certify that:

This property is located in suburban Cook County (not Chicago)

The security deposit does not exceed 1.5 months rent

I will return the deposit within 30 days of move-out

I will provide 60-day notice before non-renewal

I understand lockouts and utility shutoffs are prohibited

📝 Tenant Acknowledgment

I have received this Cook County RTLO Summary

I understand my rights under the Cook County RTLO

✍️ Signatures

Landlord

Signature (Print Name) *

Date *

Tenant

Signature (Print Name)

Date

What is the Cook County RTLO?

The Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) is a county law that took effect June 1, 2021. It provides tenant protections for residential rentals in suburban Cook County – the areas of Cook County OUTSIDE Chicago city limits.

Key Point: The RTLO is separate from Chicago’s RLTO. Chicago has its own ordinance. The Cook County RTLO applies to suburbs like Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, Cicero, and other unincorporated areas.

Who Must Comply?

The RTLO applies to:

Residential rental properties in suburban Cook County
Both single-family and multi-family rentals

Exemptions:

Properties in Chicago (use Chicago RLTO instead)
Owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units
Units in hospitals, nursing homes, or similar facilities

Key RTLO Requirements

Security Deposits

Requirement	Details
Maximum Amount	1.5 months rent
Return Deadline	30 days after move-out
Itemized Statement	Required if any deductions
Interest (25+ units)	Must pay interest annually

Notice Requirements

Situation	Notice Required
Non-payment of rent	5-day notice
Lease violation	10-day notice to cure
Non-renewal of lease	60-day notice

Prohibited Landlord Actions

Lockouts (changing locks without court order)
Shutting off utilities as retaliation
Retaliating against tenants who exercise rights
Excessive late fees

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

This form is for informational purposes only. The RTLO may be amended. Always verify current Cook County ordinance requirements and consult with an attorney for specific legal questions.