💜 Illinois Safe Homes Act Disclosure

Understanding the Illinois Safe Homes Act

The Safe Homes Act (765 ILCS 750) is an Illinois law designed to protect tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking. The law recognizes that victims may need to leave their home quickly for safety reasons and should not be penalized for doing so.

Key Provisions of the Safe Homes Act

Early Lease Termination

Victims have the right to terminate their lease early without penalty if they need to relocate for safety reasons. The termination is effective either 30 days after the landlord receives proper written notice and documentation, or at the end of the current rental period, whichever is later. The tenant is only responsible for rent through the termination date.

Lock Changes

Victims have the right to request that their landlord change the locks on their unit. The landlord must complete the lock change within 48 hours of receiving the written request with proper documentation. If the landlord fails to change the locks within 48 hours, the tenant may change the locks and deduct the cost from rent. The landlord may not give keys to the perpetrator, even if the perpetrator is on the lease.

Protection from Discrimination

Landlords may not refuse to rent to someone because they are a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking. Landlords may not terminate a lease or fail to renew because of the tenant’s victim status. Any retaliation against a tenant for exercising rights under the Safe Homes Act is prohibited.

Required Documentation

To exercise rights under the Safe Homes Act, a tenant must provide the landlord with one of the following forms of documentation:

• A valid Order of Protection issued by an Illinois court
• A police report documenting the domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking
• Medical documentation of injuries resulting from domestic or sexual violence
• A statement from a qualified third party (victim services organization, attorney, member of the clergy, or medical professional) confirming the tenant’s status as a victim

Confidentiality Requirements

All information provided by the tenant regarding their victim status is confidential. Landlords may not disclose this information to other tenants, neighbors, or third parties except as required by law. Documentation should be maintained in a separate, confidential file.

Landlord Obligations

• Provide this disclosure to all tenants
• Process early termination requests within the required timeframe
• Change locks within 48 hours of valid request
• Maintain confidentiality of victim information
• Not discriminate or retaliate against victims

Tenant Obligations

• Provide written notice when exercising rights
• Include required documentation with notice
• Pay rent through the termination date
• Provide reasonable access for lock changes

If You Are in Immediate Danger

Call 911 immediately. Your safety is the priority. You do not need to gather documentation before leaving if you are in danger. The documentation can be obtained afterward to formalize your rights under this law.