Illinois Residential Lease Disclosure Requirements Explained

When signing a residential lease in Illinois, both landlords and tenants need to understand the state's disclosure requirements. These disclosures protect renters by ensuring transparency about health, safety, and legal aspects of your rental. Here’s what Illinois renters should know before moving in or renewing a lease agreement.

Which Disclosures Must Be Included in Illinois Residential Leases?

Illinois law requires landlords to inform tenants of critical property conditions, identity, and legal rights. Here are the main disclosures:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for properties built before 1978): Federal law requires landlords to provide tenants with information on lead-based paint hazards, supply an information pamphlet, and disclose any known lead paint hazards.
  
  • Official Form: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal EPA Form)
  • When Used: Must be given before signing the lease if the building was constructed before 1978.
  • EPA Lead Disclosure Forms and Guidance
• Radon Gas Disclosure (for most residential buildings): Illinois law requires landlords to give tenants a radon warning statement for most houses or units below the third floor.
  
  • Official Form: Illinois Disclosure of Information on Radon Hazards
  • When Used: Provided before lease signing if a radon hazard has been identified. Not required for properties above the third floor.
  • Illinois Department of Public Health – Radon Resources
• Landlord’s Identity & Address Disclosure: The lease should name the landlord or person authorized to manage the property and an address for official notices.
  
  • When Used: Required for all residential leases, typically included within the lease agreement itself.
  • Helps renters know where to send requests, notices, or legal documents.
• Smoke Detector Compliance Disclosure: Landlords must confirm that the unit contains functioning smoke detectors compliant with Illinois law.
  
  • When Used: Included in the lease or as a separate form at move-in.
  • Illinois Smoke Detector Act (Official Legislation)
• Security Deposit Receipt & Interest Disclosure: In certain cities (notably Chicago and Evanston), landlords must give a written receipt for security deposits and disclose where the deposit will be held, plus how interest will be paid.
  
  • City of Chicago – Renter Rights Overview
  • Check your city ordinances for details on local requirements.

These disclosures must be given at or before the lease is signed. Failing to provide required disclosures can affect the landlord’s ability to enforce parts of the lease and might entitle renters to compensation or other remedies under Illinois’ Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act and other statutes^1-4.

Why Are These Disclosures Important for Illinois Renters?

Disclosures empower you to make informed decisions about where you live and protect your health and finances. For example, knowing about radon or lead paint risks can impact safety plans, while clear security deposit rules help you avoid end-of-lease disputes.

Always review disclosure documents thoroughly before signing. If you do not receive required disclosures, you may have legal protections.

What Should You Do If A Required Disclosure Is Missing?

• Document your request: Email or write to your landlord requesting the missing disclosure.
• Contact local housing authorities: Report non-compliance to your city or state tenant hotline.
• Seek free legal help: Illinois Legal Aid Online offers resources and legal services for renters.

These steps protect your rights and ensure safe, transparent rental agreements.

FAQ: Illinois Lease Disclosure Rules for Renters

1. Do landlords in Illinois have to provide lead paint disclosures?
   Yes. If the property was built before 1978, a lead paint disclosure and informational pamphlet are federally required before you sign your lease.
2. What happens if my landlord does not give a required disclosure?
   You may have the right to seek legal remedies, including withholding rent or terminating your lease if you’re at risk. Contact the relevant authority or legal aid for guidance.
3. Are radon disclosures always required?
   No. They are required for most residential properties under the third floor and when a radon hazard has been found or tested, but not above the third floor.
4. How can I verify that my landlord’s security deposit disclosures are correct?
   Request written confirmation and ask where your deposit is held. In Chicago and some cities, the landlord must provide this by law. Contact your city’s renters’ office if unsure.
5. Who enforces residential lease laws in Illinois?
   The Illinois Attorney General’s Office – Landlord/Tenant Hotline and local agencies like the Chicago Department of Housing enforce these laws.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Illinois Renters

• Illinois leases must include clear health and safety disclosures (lead paint, radon, etc.).
• Critical information like landlord identity and security deposit terms must be provided up front.
• Tenants have the right to request missing disclosures and seek assistance from state agencies.

Being aware of your rights regarding lease disclosures helps you protect your interests and ensures you move into a safe, transparent rental arrangement.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Illinois

• Illinois Attorney General’s Landlord and Tenant Rights – Statewide legal information and hotline
• Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) – Tenant resources, emergency help, and housing programs
• Chicago Department of Housing – Renter Rights – For renters in Chicago
• Illinois Legal Aid Online: Renters’ Rights – Free legal advice and forms for tenants statewide

---

¹ Illinois Residential Tenants’ Right to Repair Act
² EPA Lead Paint Disclosure Rule
³ Illinois Radon Awareness Act
⁴ Illinois Smoke Detector Act

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations