Illinois Standard Residential Lease Agreement Template

Maximum Amount: Illinois state law does not cap security deposits, though numerous municipal or county ordinances impose limits that override state law. For example, Cook County caps security deposits at 1.5 months’ rent (§ 42-111(A)).

• Receipt Required? No, Illinois does not require a landlord to provide a formal receipt. However, several local ordinances mandate them at the time of collection.

Return Period: Within 45 days after the tenant vacates the rental unit (765 ILCS 710/1(a); Hoffman v. Altamore (2004)).

• Itemized List Required? Yes, if any portion of the deposit is withheld for property damage, the landlord must deliver an itemized list of the damages, along with supporting repair receipts or estimates, within 30 days of the tenant vacating (765 ILCS 710/1(a); Mallah v. Barkauskas (1985).

Concession Disclosure (if applicable): If a written lease includes any rent concessions or free-rent periods, the landlord must feature a plainly legible “Concession Granted” legend at least one-half inch in height across the face of the agreement detailing the exact terms (765 ILCS 730/1).

Flood Hazard Disclosure: Before a lease is executed, the landlord must clearly disclose whether the rental property is located in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area and provide a 10-year flooding history for any lower-level units (765 ILCS 705/25).

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For residential units built before January 1, 1978, the landlord must disclose any known lead-based hazards and provide an EPA-approved informational pamphlet (40 CFR § 745.113).

Radon Hazard Disclosure: Before executing a lease for a dwelling unit located on the second floor or lower, the landlord must complete a radon hazard disclosure form alongside a copy of the official state Radon Guide for Tenants pamphlet (420 ILCS 46/25).

Shared Utility Metering Disclosure (if applicable): If a property relies on a master meter or a shared utility system, the lease agreement must specify the exact mathematical formula used to allocate utility bills among tenants (765 ILCS 740/5).

Summary of Rights for Safer Homes Act: Landlords must attach this official state summary outlining tenants’ housing rights as the very first page of any new or renewed written lease agreement (765 ILCS 750/1 et seq.).