🏛 Cook County RTLO Summary Disclosure
Required at Every Lease Signing — Cook County Code § 42-804
Cook County RTLO Summary Required at Every Lease Signing: Landlords in covered Cook County municipalities must provide a written summary of tenant rights under the RTLO at the commencement of every tenancy. Failure to provide it is an RTLO violation and can be used against you in any subsequent dispute with the tenant.
🏠 Property & Tenancy
⚖ RTLO Summary Acknowledgment
By signing below, the tenant acknowledges receipt of a written summary of the Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) as required by Cook County Code § 42-804. The tenant understands that the full text of the RTLO is available at cookcountyil.gov/rtlo and through the Cook County Commission on Human Rights.
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🔍 Order Screening Report →Cook County RTLO Summary Disclosure — Guide
The Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance (RTLO) took effect June 1, 2021. It covers most residential rental units in unincorporated Cook County and municipalities that have opted in, including many Chicago suburbs.
What the RTLO Covers
The RTLO establishes: written lease requirements, security deposit rules, habitability standards, maintenance obligations, retaliation protections, non-renewal notice periods (30/60 days based on tenancy length), and the right to organize tenant unions. The required summary must be provided at every lease signing.
Municipalities Covered
In addition to unincorporated Cook County, many suburban municipalities have adopted the RTLO including Evanston, Oak Park, and others. Check cookcountyil.gov/rtlo for the current list of covered municipalities.
⚖ Legal Disclaimer
These forms are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. FCRA requirements are complex and strictly enforced — violations carry statutory damages of $100–$1,000 per violation plus actual damages and attorney fees. Fair Housing law prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics. Apply screening criteria consistently to all applicants. Consult a qualified attorney before making screening decisions. See our editorial standards for accuracy details.
