Illinois Lead Paint Disclosure Rules for Renters

If you are renting a home or apartment built before 1978 in Illinois, your landlord must follow lead paint disclosure laws. Understanding these rules keeps you safe and ensures your landlord meets legal requirements before move-in.

What Is Lead Paint and Why Does Disclosure Matter?

Lead-based paint was common in homes built before 1978. Exposure to dust or chips from this paint can cause serious health issues, especially for young children and pregnant women. That’s why both federal and Illinois law require landlords to inform renters about any known lead paint hazards.

Required Disclosures for Illinois Rentals

For any rental housing built before 1978, landlords must provide important disclosures and educational materials to all new tenants before signing a lease. These include:

• Disclosure of Known Lead-Based Paint Hazards: Landlords must share any known information about lead-based paint and hazards in the unit or building.
• Federal Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet: Renters must receive an official brochure titled "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Lead Warning Statement in the Lease: The lease contract must contain a specific warning about lead-based paint hazards as required by law.

This process helps ensure that you understand any potential risks before you move in.

Official Form: Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards (EPA/HUD/Disclosure Form)

• Form Name: "Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards"
• Purpose: This form, often simply called the "Lead Disclosure Form," is required when renting or selling pre-1978 dwellings. It documents any known lead hazards, landlord responsibilities, and tenant acknowledgment.
• Example: Before you sign a lease for a vintage Chicago apartment built in 1960, your landlord should provide this Lead Disclosure Form, showing you what they know about lead paint hazards in the unit.
• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (official PDF)

Where Can You Find the Required EPA Pamphlet?

• Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home (EPA Pamphlet)
• This leaflet explains the dangers of lead-based paint and how to minimize risk.

Landlord Responsibilities Under Illinois Law

Landlords in Illinois must:

• Notify renters about the presence of any lead paint hazards, if known.
• Give renters the EPA disclosure pamphlet.
• Include all required lead warning statements and disclosure details in the lease paperwork.

If landlords fail to provide these disclosures, they may face civil penalties, and you may have more rights if lead hazards are later discovered.

Which Illinois Law and Agency Protects Renters?

• Illinois follows federal rules under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X).
• The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) offers information on landlord-tenant laws and complaint processes.
• Renters in Chicago should also review local ordinances from the City of Chicago Department of Housing.

For all of Illinois, the main legislation is the Illinois Compiled Statutes – Landlord and Tenant Act and federal Title X.

What If Lead Hazards Are Found During Your Tenancy?

If you spot chipped, peeling, or deteriorating paint in your home, especially if you know it’s pre-1978, inform your landlord in writing right away. If they do not fix the hazard, you may file a complaint with the appropriate Illinois or city agency.

What to Do If You Didn't Receive the Proper Disclosure

If you did not get a lead paint disclosure or EPA pamphlet and your property was built before 1978:

• Politely request the disclosures from your landlord in writing.
• If the landlord does not respond, contact your city’s Department of Public Health or the IDFPR for assistance.

Steps to Take When You Suspect Lead Hazards

If you believe your rental has lead hazards and your landlord isn’t responsive:

• Take photos and write down details of any visible paint damage.
• Submit a written notice to your landlord requesting repairs or an inspection.
• If unresolved, file a complaint with the local health department or the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Document everything as you go for your own records.

FAQ: Illinois Lead Paint Disclosures for Renters

1. Do all Illinois rentals require a lead paint disclosure?
   Only rentals built before 1978 require lead paint disclosures and the EPA information pamphlet. Newer properties are generally exempt.
2. What should I do if my landlord did not provide the lead paint forms?
   First, request the disclosures in writing. If not provided, contact the local health department or the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for help.
3. Can I break my lease if my unit has unsafe lead paint?
   Maybe. If the landlord did not disclose known hazards or refuses to address serious lead risks, you may have legal grounds to end your lease or take other action. Seek advice from a renters' resource or legal aid office.
4. Where can I report landlords who do not follow lead paint laws?
   You can contact your city’s public health department, your local housing agency, or the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
5. Is there a fee for getting a lead-based paint inspection in my unit?
   Some local health departments offer free inspections if children are at risk, while private inspectors may charge a fee.

Key Takeaways

• Renters in Illinois must receive lead paint disclosures, forms, and an EPA pamphlet if renting pre-1978 housing.
• Ask for all disclosures before signing your lease, and report any hazards if your landlord does not respond.
• State and local agencies can support you if lead paint safety rules are not followed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Landlord-Tenant Resources
• Illinois Department of Public Health – Lead Program
• United States Environmental Protection Agency – Lead Paint Information
• City of Chicago Renter Resources
• For Chicago renters: Renters' Rights Portal

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1. EPA: Requirements for Disclosure of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Rental Housing
2. EPA Lead Disclosure Form – Official
3. EPA Pamphlet: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
4. Illinois Compiled Statutes – Landlord and Tenant Act
5. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Landlords & Tenants
6. Illinois Department of Public Health Lead Program

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