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Illinois lease rules, from the official sources.
Illinois sets out its statewide rules in two laws: the Landlord and Tenant Act, and a separate Security Deposit Return Act that covers how deposits are handled and returned. The Attorney General publishes a guide that sums both up.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and some cities and counties add their own rules. Check the official sources below, or talk to a local attorney, before you act on it.
- Illinois landlord-tenant law and guideLinks to the state's own sources
- Illinois lease rulesNo official state form, so the law and guide are included
- Federal lead-based paint disclosureRequired for homes built before 1978
- Free DigitalTenant formsOur lease template, move-in inspection and more
The official Illinois sources
Straight from the state, its courts or the federal government. Nothing here is written or hosted by us.
What to look up in the Illinois rules
These are the things landlords most often get wrong. Every state handles them a little differently, so check the Illinois law and guide above for the exact rule.
How much you can ask for, where it's held, and how long you have to return it.
What a security deposit coversWhether there's a limit on late fees, and whether rent has a grace period.
How late fees workHow much notice you need to give before you go in for repairs or a showing.
notice to enter formHow much notice either side has to give, and what happens if a tenant stays past the end date.
How a notice to vacate worksNotices you must hand over at signing. Homes built before 1978 also need the federal lead paint disclosure.
Lead-based paint disclosureThese links go to outside government websites. DigitalTenant doesn't write or host these documents, and this page isn't legal advice. Laws change, so check the source, and talk to a local attorney if you're unsure.
Write your Illinois lease in DigitalTenant.
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