Illinois · Step-by-step guide
How to sign a compliant Illinois lease.
A practical walkthrough of the six things a Illinois landlord must get right, in order, before and after signing.
Start My Illinois Lease →1. Confirm the deposit cap
No statutory cap (state); Chicago has rules. Statutory cite: 765 ILCS 710.
2. Set late-fee terms correctly
Chicago: $10 + 5% over $500; state has no cap Landlords generally must allow a 5-day grace period before assessing it.
3. Plan entry notice
Give at least 24 hours' notice before entering the unit outside an emergency.
4. Give correct termination notice
30 days (month-to-month) for a month-to-month tenancy.
5. Attach every required disclosure
Lead-based paint, Radon (if known), Concession (Chicago), Bedbug (Chicago), RLTO summary (Chicago).
6. Return the deposit on time
30–45 days. Statutory cite: 765 ILCS 710.
Illinois guide FAQs
- What order should a Illinois landlord follow before signing a lease?
- Confirm the deposit cap, set a compliant late fee, plan entry-notice language, set the correct termination notice, attach every required disclosure, and confirm the deposit-return timeline — in that order.
- Where can I find the full list of Illinois required disclosures?
- See the full disclosure list on the Illinois state page, or browse disclosure requirements by topic across all states.