Chicago City Lease Agreement Templates

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What’s Included in Chicago City Lease Forms

Lease Template Updated March 6, 2025

A residential lease agreement in Chicago City is a vital legal document that clearly defines rental terms, payment details, property rules, and the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. It protects the landlord's interests while ensuring compliance with Chicago City laws.

Our form includes:

Parties Identification

Lease Term

Rent Payment Terms

Security Deposit

Maintenance Responsibilities

State-Specific Disclosures

State-Specific Notices

Disclosures and Addenda for Chicago City

These disclosures and addenda ensure compliance with state laws and protect both landlords and tenants.

Disclosure

Landlord's Name and Address <p>Landlords must provide tenants with a written receipt for any security deposit received. This receipt must include the owner's name, the date the deposit was received, and a description of the dwelling unit. The person accepting the deposit must sign the receipt.</p>
Lead Paint - Know Presence <p>Applies to units built before 1978 where the presence of lead paint has been confirmed.</p>
Lead Paint - No Know Presence <p>Applies to units where no evidence of lead paint is present or units built after 1978.</p>
Condition of the Premises <p>Landlords are required to maintain the rental property in compliance with all applicable building codes and ensure that it is in a habitable condition. This includes making necessary repairs and maintaining common areas.</p>
Bed Bugs Disclosure <p>Landlords must provide tenants with the "Preventing Bed Bug Infestations" brochure, which offers guidance on identifying and preventing bed bug issues. This proactive measure aims to educate tenants and prevent infestations.&nbsp;</p>
Late/Returned Fees <p>In Chicago, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) does specify limits on late fees. According to the RLTO, landlords may charge a maximum late fee of $10 per month for the first $500 of monthly rent, plus 5% per month for any amount exceeding $500. For example, if the monthly rent is $600, the allowable late fee would be $10 for the first $500, plus $5 (which is 5% of the remaining $100), totaling $15. These fees must be clearly stated in the lease agreement to be enforceable</p>
Mold Disclosure <p>Chicago law does not specifically require mold disclosure. However, landlords must maintain the premises in a habitable condition, which includes addressing any mold issues promptly.</p>
Non-Refundable Fees <p>Landlords must clearly disclose any non-refundable fees in the lease agreement to enforce them</p>
Smoking <p>It is advisable for landlords to specify the smoking policy within the lease, indicating whether smoking is permitted and any designated areas, to prevent potential disputes.</p>
Security Deposit Disclosure <p>Requirement: Landlords must provide a receipt for any security deposit, including the owner's name, date received, and a description of the dwelling unit. The receipt must be signed by the person accepting the deposit.&nbsp;<br>Interest: Landlords are required to pay interest annually on security deposits held for more than six months, with the rate set annually by the City Comptroller.&nbsp;<br>Return: Upon lease termination, the security deposit must be returned within 45 days. Deductions for damages require an itemized statement provided within 30 days.&nbsp;</p>
Flood Hazard Disclosure <p>Chicago law does not mandate landlords to disclose if a property is in a flood zone; however, it's considered good practice to inform tenants of potential flood risks.<br><br></p>
Radon Disclosure <p>If a rental property has been found to have radon levels above the safe threshold, landlords are required to disclose this information to prospective tenants. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can pose serious health risks, making this disclosure vital for tenant safety.</p>

Addenda

Pet Agreement <p>Outline rules regarding pet types, sizes, behavior, and any associated fees or deposits.</p>
Medical Marijuana <p>Under state law, Illinois allows the use of medical marijuana; however, landlords can set policies regarding its use on their property, including prohibiting smoking.</p>
Shared Utilities <p>Describe how utility charges are divided among tenants to ensure clarity on financial responsibilities.</p>
Carbon Monoxide Alarm <p>Illinois law requires landlords to provide and maintain operational smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in rental units. Landlords must inform tenants about their presence, proper maintenance, and the tenant's responsibility to regularly test and replace batteries as needed.&nbsp;</p>

Landlord’s Name and Address

Applicable to all Chicago city rentals.

According to Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), landlords must provide tenants with a written receipt for any security deposit received. This receipt must include the owner’s name, the date of receipt, a description of the dwelling unit, and the signature of the person accepting the deposit. This requirement ensures transparency and protects tenants from disputes.

Landlord Requirements:

  • Provide a written receipt for any security deposit.
  • Include the owner’s name, date of receipt, and dwelling unit description.
  • Ensure the receipt is signed by the person accepting the deposit.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Applicable to Chicago city rentals built before 1978.

Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) regulates late fees to protect tenants from excessive charges. Under the RLTO, landlords may charge a maximum late fee of $10 per month for the first $500 of rent, plus 5% per month on any amount exceeding $500. For instance, if rent is $600, the total allowable late fee would be $15 ($10 for the first $500 + $5 for the remaining $100). To be enforceable, these fees must be clearly stated in the lease agreement.

Landlord Requirements:

  • Limit late fees to $10 per month for the first $500 of rent.
  • Charge 5% per month on any rent amount exceeding $500.
  • Ensure all late fees are explicitly stated in the lease agreement.

Condition of the Premises

Guidelines for Maintaining Rental Property Standards

Landlords in Chicago must maintain rental properties in compliance with all applicable building codes and ensure they remain habitable. This includes making necessary repairs and maintaining common areas to provide a safe living environment for tenants. Adhering to these requirements helps prevent disputes and ensures tenant well-being.

Landlord Requirements:

  • Maintain the property in compliance with building codes.
  • Ensure the rental unit is safe and habitable.
  • Make necessary repairs and maintain common areas.

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